NEW YORK — The LPGA and USGA announced a change to their gender policies Wednesday that will effectively ban transgender golfer Hailey Davidson and others like her from competition.
Beginning in 2025, only players assigned female at birth or who transitioned before going through male puberty will be eligible to compete in LPGA tournaments or USGA Women’s Championships.
Davidson, who celebrated his 32nd birthday on Tuesday, began hormone treatments in 2015 and underwent gender affirmation surgery in 2021. Before transitioning, Davidson played men’s golf at Division II and III of the NCAA.
“Can’t say I didn’t see this coming,” Davidson wrote on an Instagram Story on Wednesday in response to the news. “Banned from the Epson and the LPGA. All the silence and people who want to remain “neutral”, thank you for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.
Davidson, originally from Scotland, had recently earned a limited berth on the Epson Tour after finishing 95th in LPGA qualifying, but had pathways available to join the main tour.
“What a great birthday present for 2024,” she continued on Instagram. “The greatest achievement I have ever had in my life was taken away from me.”
The LPGA said the change was made with both gender inclusion and competitive fairness in mind, and followed more than a year of studies involving medicine, science, sports physiology and the law of gender politics.
“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,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan.
Under the new rule, transgender golfers assigned at birth must prove they have not experienced any period of male puberty beyond Tanner Stage 2 or after age 12, whichever comes first. and must also maintain a certain limit of testosterone levels.
The LPGA begins its 75th season on January 30 with the Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida.
