The R&A is considering letting women play in the British Open. Pete Dawson, chief executive of the Royal and Ancient Club responsible for the staging of "the Open," is in favor of amending the rules to more closely match those seen in the American majors.

The current rules state that the tournament is open to "any male professional or from a male amateur golfer whose playing handicap does not exceed scratch." The possible change is simple: remove the word "male."

In other words, the Royal and Ancient appears to have nothing to lose by removing the ban. Though I personally believe a woman may play in a men's major in the next decade or two, it's unlikely that it will happen within the next few years, and it's unlikelier still that a woman will earn a top-10 and really shake things up. Women currently don't have world rankings, so they'd need to qualify or gain exemptions to play in the Open.

Dawson, ignoring the current rules and perhaps speaking from the future, says "The R&A is not in the business of keeping women out of the Open." The Open Championship Committee has to rule, but it's quite likely the change will pass. I know I'd be interested in seeing how a woman competes on a men's major course. Perhaps some day a woman will even make the cut in a PGA Tour event…

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