Van de Velde targets women's golf

A six at the last would have won the 1999 Open for Van de Velde

France's Jean van de Velde has joined the debate over women in men's golf by revealing his intention to apply for a place in the Women's Open.

Van de Velde, who famously lost the Open Championship in 1999 with a seven at the last, spoke out after women were given permission to enter the event.

"I'll shave my legs and wear a kilt if I have to," said Van de Velde.

"Where do we draw the line? If women enter our tournaments it applies that men can play with women."

However, Van de Velde is likely to be given short shrift by the Ladies Golfing Union as its rules state that players "must be of the female gender".

Let us play in their tournaments. I'm sure they won't like that Ian Poulter

Some male professionals are upset that the Royal and Ancient have allowed women players to enter its Open.

English Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter, like Van de Velde competing in the Volvo Masters in Spain, has waded into the argument.

"I don't see why they should play in ours when we're not allowed to play in their's," said Poulter.

"Let them open up their rule book and let us play in their tournaments. I'm sure they won't like that."

And Van de Velde, back in action after a spell of injury problems, added: "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."