Way Open for women

THE way has been cleared for teenage sensation Michelle Wie to become the first female ever to play in the British Open - possibly even this July at St Andrews.

The Royal and Ancient Club, a male only club which has run the championship at male only courses since it began at Prestwick in 1860, have taken the decision “in principal” that from next year it will not be men-only.

Although all the details of how female players, professional and amateur, would qualify in future years have yet to be made 15-year-old Wie comes into a special category because of her invitation to the John Deere Classic in Illinois, starting on July 7.