Davies hits back at Norman

Norman slams women invites

Laura Davies has defended women players' right to take part in men's events despite criticism of the growing trend from Greg Norman.

Norman has described the invites to women as "a gimmick" and called on the game's authorities to act.

"Are they scared that a woman might actually be as good as them?" said Davies.

"If they are good enough to compete then they should be allowed to. I don't know what they are scared of."

Davies will become the first woman to play in a European Tour event when she takes part in the ANZ Championship in Sydney next week.

It would be a terrible shame if they decided to keep Michelle Wie out Laura Davies

She follows in the footsteps of Annika Sorenstam and, more recently, 14-year-old Michelle Wie, who played in last month's Sony Open in Hawaii.

"Greg is one of the greatest players of his generation and obviously has the right to say what he thinks," Davies told the Daily Express.

"I would not have a problem if the men vote to keep us women out - it's their tour and I will always abide by their rules.

"But it would be a terrible shame if they decided to keep someone like Michelle Wie out.

"We shoud try and encourage her, not try to stunt her development."