The USGA and LPGA announced updates to their gender policies this week, and social media had a lot to say about it as it affects transgender golfer Hailey Davidson.
There had been growing concern among LPGA players about the organization’s Gender Policy. More than 275 female golfers signed a letter sent to the LPGA, USGA, and IGF (International Golf Federation) last August, calling for the organizations to repeal all policies and rules that allow biological males to compete in women’s events.
Those ladies were heard, and a ruling came down on Wednesday. Both the LPGA and USGA dropped a new policy that states that “players assigned male at birth and who have gone through male puberty are not eligible to compete” on the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour, and all other elite LPGA competitions.
The policy updates were “informed by a working group of top experts in medicine, science, sports physiology, golf performance, and gender policy law.”
“Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based, and inclusive approach,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan in a statement. “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.”
JUST IN: LPGA announces that golfers must be born female or have transitioned before male puberty to compete, prompting biological male Hailey Davidson to lash out on IG.
Davidson, who was born a man and didn’t transition until their early 20s, will now be ruled out.
“Can’t say… pic.twitter.com/PLCh6APppy
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 4, 2024
