As transgender golfer Hailey Davidson competes in this week’s LPGA Qualifying event, there’s growing concern among players on the LPGA and Epson Tour about the organization’s Gender Policy. The Independent Women’s Forum recently shared a letter with Outkick signed by more than 275 female golfers that was 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.
The letter, which was obtained by Golfweek, states that “it is essential for the integrity and fairness of women’s golf to have a clear and consistent participation policy in place based on a player’s immutable sex.”
Signed by current and former female professionals, the letter was sent just before the start of the first stage of LPGA Qualifying in California last August. Just three days prior, the tour sent out a memo of its own to LPGA and Epson Tour players regarding its Gender Policy.
Golfweek confirmed that in the memo, LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan stated that the tour planned to conclude a lengthy review of its current policy by year’s end and would implement any updates to the policy before the 2025 season.
The commissioner stated that the tour’s top priority must be to have a policy that provides for fair competition and considers “first and foremost” competitive advantage.
Meanwhile, as the tour continues its review, Davidson marches on.
Transgender golfer Hailey Davidson. Photo by Hailey Davidson
On Tuesday in Venice, Florida, she opened what was formally known as Stage II of LPGA Qualifying with a 6-over 78. If Davidson completes all four rounds of this week’s event at Plantation Golf and Country Club, where there is no cut, she will earn Epson Tour status for the 2025 season. If Davidson finishes in the top 35 and ties among the field of 195, she’ll move on to Final Qualifying for a chance to earn an LPGA card for next season.
In 2010, the LPGA voted to eliminate its requirement that players be “female at birth” not long after a transgender woman filed a lawsuit against the tour.
Recently retired LPGA player Amy Olson believes the tour should return to requiring that athletes be female at birth.
“I would say I’m cautiously optimistic that the LPGA will do the right thing,” Olson told Golfweek. “That they will update their policy to reflect a fair competitive environment for women and also…
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