Michelle Wie is among the handful of women golfers who have tried to mix it with the men on level terms.All have failed miserably to make an impact, largely because they lack the necessary length off the tee.
But a concept known to every club golfer is enabling the women - and men from the seniors circuit - to take on the big names with a genuine chance of winning.
White tees for competitions, yellow tees for friendly games and red tees for women - a familiar set-up at most clubs.
And different tees are just part of the thinking behind PowerPlay golf, which looks set to blur the boundaries between men and women once and for all.
Essentially, PowerPlay is an abbreviated form of golf that is played over nine holes. Players score stableford points based on their handicaps, however, there is a twist.
Each green has two pin positions of which one is tougher and indicated by a black flag, while the other is signalled by a white flag. If a player goes for the black flag, they have the potential to score double points if they make a net birdie or better.
Each player is limited to only three attempts at the black flags over the nine holes, making their selection crucial. Furthermore, on the final ninth hole, if a player gets a birdie or eagle, they will be given double points. However, should they make a bogey or worse, they are deducted three points.
It is an interesting concept that works. Men, seniors and women are able to play together on a level playing field, as shown at this week's competition at the Celtic Manor in Wales. All three groups used different tee positions, as with amateur golf.
And if there was any doubt whether women could mix it with men under this format, the results from Newport seem to indicate they can. Caroline Hedwall, 22, won the competition with 32 points, ahead of Helen Alfredsson, who had 29 points. Current women's US Open champion Paula Creamer had 27, the same as England's Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter.
