The errors of definitions multiply themselves according as the reckoning proceeds; and lead men into absurdities, which at last they see but cannot avoid, without reckoning anew from the beginning.

First it was Annika Sorenstam in 2003, then Michelle Wie in 2004 and this year. I am in no way saying they don’t have the ability to compete, even though neither was able to make a cut (four tournaments combined). I just don’t think it’s right.

As for Wie, her talent is unquestionable. Her future in golf is undeniable. She will be a great player. Mark my words.

My issue is that so far this year, she has played in two of the men’s tournaments, and is currently competing in the men’s Amateur Public Links (APL) championship which, oh by the way, carries with it a possible entry into next year’s Masters tournament for the winner. Since 1989, the APL champion has been invited to The Masters.

Before you get all uppity about discrimination or anything else you want to call it, consider this: There is a series of tournaments put together for women to compete called the LPGA. Get it? Ladies PGA. The USGA also has a ladies APL. The men are not allowed to play in either the LPGA or the USGA events sanctioned for women. Why is it allowed for women to play in the events sanctioned for men?

I also feel for the PGA touring pro who is trying to make a living on tour be told that he cannot play a certain week because they gave his spot to a woman. Here’s a man who went through the rigors of Qualifying School (considered by many as the toughest six days of golf) only to be denied the chance to play in a tournament that he was entitled to play in.

These women are great golfers, no doubt about it. But they have a tour set up for themselves for them to compete on. They have to qualify for that tour as well. Don’t take away a spot that someone else qualified for on the other tour, please.

As for Wie at the APL? She just won her second match of the day to move to the quarterfinals. Three more wins and who knows? We could just see Wie at the Masters. Boy wouldn’t that just rile up Hootie again?

UPDATE: Michelle Wie lost the following day in her quarterfinal match, albeit to the eventual champion of the tournament. There is a bright side for her, as all quarterfinalists are automatically invited back to the APL the following year. Not that I'm happy about it.