Van de Velde wants to enter Women's Open

Now that women are allowed to enter the Open championship Jean van de Velde wants to enter the Women’s British Open – and he intends to write off for an application form.

The Frenchman, famous for losing the 1999 Open from three ahead with one to play, spoke out today at the European tour’s season-ending Volvo Masters at Valderrama.

“I think it’s a nice joke. No discrimination to anyone, but it’s a farce,” said Van de Velde.

“My whole point is where do we draw the line. If we accept that women can enter our tournaments then it applies that men can play with women.

“I am definitely going to approach them to get an application and if they let me play in the qualifying event then I will. I’ll even wear a kilt and shave my legs.

“I just don’t understand it and if my application is not accepted I will definitely get advice and see how far it will go.

“I am making a point. I’m not trying to take a sexist stance. I think there are much more important matters. I think our governing body should concentrate on the long putter, checking clubs. Things like that, not this.”

Next year’s Weetabix Women’s British Open championship is at Royal Birkdale on July 28-31.

It is run by the Ladies’ Golf Union, which has a ‘gender policy’, stating: “It shall be a condition of any competition organised by the Ladies’ Golf Union that players must be of the female gender.”

There is also the clause: “If, in the opinion of the committee, there is uncertainty as to a player’s gender either prior to, or once a competition has commenced, then, in order to ensure fair competition, a member of the committee may ask a player to provide proof of gender in confidence to a medical expert.”