PALM DESERT, California: Michelle Wie, the 16-year-old golf prodigy, not only made her professional debut in the Women's World Championship at Bighorn in Palm Desert, California, but she also learned that her chances of playing in a men's major had been greatly improved.

"Yes, I will definitely try and qualify next year if it fits into my schedule," was Wie's reaction to the announcement from the Royal & Ancient Golf Club that players who finish in the top five in a women's major will be allowed entry to the Open Championship regional qualifying from next year.

Wie finished tied third in the Women's British Open last year so would be eligible to take part in regional qualifying for the Open at Hoylake next July.

If successful, she would then have to get through final qualifying before making her step into history.

"I think it would be a really good experience to play in the men's British Open," added Wie, who shot a 70 on her professional debut and finished six shots behind leader Sorenstam.

"I know it is a tough route, but it would be all worth it. I don't care how I get there as long as I qualify."

While Wie, who has played in three PGA Tour events but never made a cut, admits that her dream is to play regularly alongside the men, Sorenstam has never had such ambitions.

But she welcomed the Royal and Ancient's decision and even admitted: "If it was on a course that I really wanted to play, then who knows? But I don't think players would go over to Britain from America for qualifying rounds.

South Korea's Jang Jeong, winner of the Women's British Open at Birkdale in August, was taken aback by the announcement.

"I hadn't heard," she told Reuters.

After a moment's consideration, she added: "I will certainly think about it. I wouldn't definitely say 'yes' at the moment, but it would be fun to try."

But Jang's compatriot Birdie Kim, the US Women's Open Champion, dismissed the notion.

"I'm just not interested in playing in men's tournaments," she said.

American Solheim Cup player, Cristie Kerr, suggested it was very interesting.

"I can't believe they've changed the rules. But I think I would need to out on 10 pounds of muscle and gain 30-yards to make it viable. But it could be fun."