The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of Saint Andrews, which organizes the British Open, says that women will be eligible to take part in the men's tournament if they qualify.
British Open organizers said next year's entry form will no longer be restricted to male professionals and amateurs.
Any woman finishing in the top five at any of the four LPGA majors can try for the British Open at Hoylake next July. Also, a woman meeting the entry requirements for international qualifying, local final qualifying and the Open can enter.
The decision was made on the day that sensation Michelle Wie, 16, made her professional debut. Wie decided to turn pro earlier this month and signed a multi-million-dollar sponsorship deal.
Some information for this report provided by AFP.