MIAMI - Suzy Whaley? Congratulations. But don't go there.

Don't open the gender-shouldn't-matter argument - and open it in a way we have not seen in sports before - because the results could get ugly.

Whaley, as many know, is the Connecticut club pro who recently earned the right, through a golf qualifying tournament, to compete in the 2003 Greater Hartford Open. She did earn that right, and could become the first woman to play in a PGA Tour event.

Many are encouraging her to compete. These many include some PGA Tour pros who know she won't stand a chance hitting off "men's" tees. What passes for open-mindedness among male pros is a pragmatic awareness that Whaley in the field means one fewer competitor who might actually beat them.

Encouraging souls also tend to include politically correct newspaper columnists who enthusiastically shout, "You go, girl!", without giving much thought to the possible ramifications.

Funny thing, though, about the gender-shouldn't-matter argument.

It cuts both ways.

And if you say that's nonsense, well ... why? If women can compete to qualify for a men's league, why shouldn't the opposite be true?

If we're going to break down the old walls that naturally separate athletes into men's and women's competitions, why would the may-the-best-man-or-woman-win mind-set work in only one direction?

Wouldn't that be the kind of discriminatory, condescending attitude any self-respecting feminist would abhor?

The gender argument must not be confused with one of race; Suzy Whaley is not Jackie Robinson. Neither is Whaley forced to compete with men for the lack of a women's tour. She isn't the gutsy high school girl who wrestles with boys only because her school doesn't have a girls' team.

I'm sure Miller down there, lacking a better argument, is painting me as a Neanderthal, but, no, I'm saying that if we're going to open the gate and treat gender like it doesn't matter, that gate needs to swing both ways.

If we're going to call the race a human race, one where male/female does not matter, well ... let's go.

Why have two gender-distinct golf tours at all? Why not just throw all the best golfers on one course and see how Annika Sorenstam fares against Tiger Woods and those fellas? Off the same tees, naturally. Because women need no special treatment. Only a level playing field, right?

Let's see how Serena Williams fares against men on a gender-free tennis tour. Olympic 100-meter dash? Open field. WNBA? Who needs it? One world, one league. You wanna drive the hoop on Shaq, Lisa Leslie? Bring it.

You want complete, gender-free equality in sports, ladies? Be careful what you wish for.