Male golfer threatens legal action to enter women's British Open.

[11 Bravo]

Frenchman Jean Van de Velde, best known for throwing up all over himself en route to blowing a 3 shot lead with one hole to play in the 1999 British Open, says he will take legal action if he is not allowed to attempt to qualify for the women's event. He claims that if women can attempt to qualify for men's tournaments, the policy should be reciprocal.

http://www.golfweb.com/story/9007275

What do you think? Idiot? Freedom fighter? French guy with way too much time on his hands?

[Debi]

1. Seems that it was inevitable

Why can't men play in women's leagues if women can play in men's leagues?

[jmowreader]

3. Especially in THIS league

I can see not allowing a man to compete in women's track. But golf is different--as long as they have him tee off the long tees while they tee off the women's tees, no problem.

[Debi]

6. right, play to their abilities, seems fair n/t

[bullwinkle428]

4. Men have strength advantages that translate into

added distance...they would have a clear edge competing against women. To carry the argument further, I as an adult golfer see nothing noble about entering a tournament for 12-and-unders. Other adults might not feel the same kind of reservation about beating up on a bunch of kids, though...

"But golf is different--as long as they have him tee off the long tees while they tee off the women's tees, no problem."

That's just the thing - it's no longer a "level playing field" within that competition if you're using two different sets of tees..

[Debi]

7. Isn't it reverse discrimination if we don't let him in?

It seems if we are clamoring to let women play in the men's leagues (and not just golf, women are playing football, basketball and wrestling) we cannot deny a man wanting to play in a women's league.

I agree that they would be viewed just like an adult in a Junior league tournament and should be ashamed to do it (why wouldn't he want to play to the best of his abilities with opponents equal to him?). But it's what happens when you open the door of equality, some asshole is going to make a stink.

[Lochloosa]

2. It's called Course Management.....

having to be talked out of this shot on the 72nd hole of the British Open....with the lead....

[slackmaster]

5. Without reading the details, the man is an asshat

:eyes:

He should be required to have his sex changed first.