Hoylake door Open for women

THE door has officially been opened for the likes of women’s world number one Annika Sorenstam and teenage sensation Michelle Wie to play at next year’s Open golf championship at Hoylake near Liverpool - providing they can qualify.

For the 135th staging of golf’s oldest major the all-male Royal and Ancient Golf Club based at St Andrews have agreed to lift their total ban on females.

After discussions which began early last year it has been decided any player finishing in the top five at each of the women’s four majors can enter the Open at the first of two qualifying stages.