The LPGA and USGA introduced a change to its gender coverage Wednesday that can successfully ban transgender golfer Hailey Davidson and others like her from competitors.
Beginning in 2025, solely gamers assigned feminine at beginning or who transitioned earlier than going by means of male puberty will likely be eligible to compete in LPGA tournaments or USGA feminine championships.
Davidson, who celebrated her thirty second birthday on Tuesday, started hormone therapies in 2015 and underwent gender-affirming surgical procedure in 2021. Previous to transitioning, Davidson performed males’s golf at NCAA Division II and Division III colleges.
Hailey Davidson (Instagram)
Davidson, who hails from Scotland, had just lately earned a restricted spot on the Epson Tour after ending ninety fifth in LPGA qualifying, however had pathways accessible to hitch the primary tour.
“What a great birthday present for 2024,” she continued on Instagram. “Having the greatest achievement I’ve earned in my life taken from me.”
The LPGA mentioned the change was made with each gender-inclusivity and aggressive equity in thoughts, and follows greater than a yr of research involving drugs, science, sport physiology and gender coverage legislation.
“The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions,” mentioned LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan.
Below the brand new rule, transgender golfers assigned male at beginning should show they haven’t skilled any a part of male puberty past Tanner Stage 2 or after age 12, whichever comes first, and should additionally keep a sure restrict of testosterone ranges.
The LPGA begins its seventy fifth season on Jan. 30 with the Event of Champions in Orlando.
