 |  One day there might be a player good enough to take the men on toe-to-toe |
Laura Davies believes she should be given the chance to line up against Europe's elite golfers every week at events like the Wentworth PGA. An all-male field includes 19 of the top 20 in Europe but Davies, who will be competing in America, insists the time is right to give women a chance.
"I think the European Tour has lost the plot," said Britain's number one female golfer.
"They have obviously banned women but I hope one day that will change."
Davies was invited to play in a men's tournament in Australia this year, following Annika Sorenstram's participation on a USPGA event last year.
But she believes the European Tour have adopted a blinkered approach to female competitors.
"I guess it won't happen again in Europe but I think the men's tour in America are a lot more open minded - and clever really," Davies told BBC Sport.
"One day there might be a player - it might well be Michelle Wie - who is good enough to take the men on toe-to-toe.
"Michelle is long enough. And if she keeps on developing the way she is they might well want her to play on the men's tour.
 Davies will be in action in America while the European PGA is going on |
"I wish I had done better in Australia because then the European Tour might have left a few doors open for others and particularly the younger players coming up. "I was invited to Australia and European officials say they feel players should have to qualify.
"Well, then they should open the qualifying up. If the girls are good enough then let them have a go.
"I don't hold out too much hope, but rules are there to be broken and changed so obviously I hope they will eventually allow women in."
Davies was talking during a promotional day for Sport Relief, where the prolific LPGA Tour winner passed on tips and advice to a trio of celebrity golfers.
And with another chance to take on the men on tour unlikely, she is concentrating on a hot summer on her own circuit.
A six-week trip to America culminates in Davies' attempt to win the US Open title for the first time in 17 years, but her number one target remains the British Open.
"It's probably about time I won the US Open again, but if I could choose one tournament to win it would be the British Open.
"I would love to have a good Open, particularly because this year it is down the road at Sunningdale," said the Surrey-based golfer.
She added: "I'm staying at home and obviously there will be a lot of friends and family watching."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Golf garden party
