The powerhouses in female professional golf have changed their transgender policy to ban male players from their competitions after Hailey Davidson came within one shot of qualifying for the US Women’s Open in June.
Davidson’s progress through the ranks has brought the issue to a head this year. The Scot made history in January when he became the first transgender golfer to win a women’s tournament – a mini-league event in Florida – and then attempted to win a card on the LPGA Tour at Q-School two months ago.
Davidson fell short, but still managed to gain status on the Epson Tour, the feeder competition for the American circuit, which would end in 2025. However, that road is now closed. The Ladies Professional Golf Association, along with the US Golf Association, which organizes the US Women’s Open, announced Wednesday that “any player assigned male at birth who has gone through male puberty will be ineligible.” This also applies to the Women’s Open and the Ladies European Tour and will come into effect early next year.
“Our policy reflects a comprehensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” Mollie Marcoux, the LPGA commissioner, said in a statement. “The policy represents our ongoing commitment to ensuring everyone feels welcome within our organization, while maintaining the fairness and competitiveness of our elite leagues.”
Davidson, who grew up in Ayrshire and was called James, took little time 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, there were those who took a stand against the golfer who played on an American male college team and only transferred three years ago. Amy Olson, a two-time runner-up on the big list, denounced Davidson’s involvement. “These women have worked too hard and too long to have to watch a man compete for and take their place,” she said.
It soon became apparent that many in the locker room held this view, with the Independent Women’s Forum revealing that more than 275 fellow players had sent a letter to the LPGA, the USGA and the International Golf Federation, urging Davidson’s removal from the Q- School. .
Telegraph Sports revealed that an investigation was underway and despite the LPGA dropping the female-born child requirement in 2010 after a legal challenge, the findings were unequivocal. “The policy – informed by a working group of top experts in medicine, science, sports physiology, golf performance and gender policy – was developed with input from a wide range of stakeholders and prioritizes the competitive integrity of women’s professional tournaments,” Marcoux said. .
“This working group has recommended that the effects of male puberty provide competitive advantages in golf performance compared to players who have not undergone male puberty.”
The new transgender rules are consistent with those of World Aquatics and World Athletics. USGA CEO Mike Whan acknowledged that a legal battle could arise. “You shouldn’t let the fear of a lawsuit stop you from doing what you believe is right for your business and for competitions,” Whan said. Golf week. “If I have to appear in court and defend it, I will certainly do so.”
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