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Women’s professional golf’s major powers have changed their transgender policy to ban male-born players from their competitions after Hailey Davidson passed on a chance to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open in June.
Davidson’s progress through the ranks brought the issue to a head this year. The Scot made history in January by becoming the first transgender golfer to win a women’s tournament – a mini-league event in Florida – then attempted to win a card on the LPGA Tour at Q-School ago two months.
Davidson was unsuccessful, but still managed to gain status on the Epson Tour, the feeder league of the American tour and was scheduled to compete there in 2025. However, that avenue is now closed. The Ladies Professional Golf Association, in tandem with the US Golf Association, which operates the US Women’s Open, announced Wednesday that “all players assigned male at birth and who have reached male puberty are ineligible “. This also includes the Women’s Open and the Ladies European Tour and comes into effect early next year.
“Our policy reflects a thorough, science-based and inclusive approach,” LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux said in a statement. “This policy represents our ongoing commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.”
Davidson, who grew up in Ayrshire and was named James, was quick to respond, posting on Instagram: “Can’t say I didn’t see this coming. All the silence and people who want to remain “neutral” thank you for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.
However, some have taken a stand against the golfer who played on a U.S. men’s college team and only transitioned three years ago. Amy Olson, a two-time major finalist, spoke out against Davidson’s involvement. “These women have worked too hard and too long to have to stand there and watch a man compete and take their place,” she said.
It soon became clear that this view was shared by many in the locker room, with the Independent Women’s Forum revealing that more than 275 other players had sent a letter to the LPGA, USGA and International Golf Federation, urging Davidson’s withdrawal from Q-School. .
Telegraph sport revealed that a review was underway and, although the LPGA dropped its requirement for women born in 2010 following a legal challenge, the findings were unequivocal. “The policy – informed by a working group comprised of high-level experts in medicine, science, sports physiology, golf performance and gender policy law – was developed with input from a broad range of stakeholders and prioritizes the competitive integrity of women’s professional tournaments,” Marcoux said. .
“This task force indicated that the effects of male puberty confer competitive advantages in golf performance over players who have not experienced male puberty.”
The new transgender regulations align with those of World Aquatics and World Athletics. Mike Whan, the USGA’s chief executive, acknowledged there could be a legal battle. “You shouldn’t let the fear of a lawsuit stop you from doing what you think is right for your business and for your competitions,” Whan said. Golf Week. “If I have to sit in court and defend this, I certainly will.”
