LPGA Tour Bans Transgender Women from Women's Golf Competitions in 2025

Dec 4, 2024, 05:46 PM

The LPGA Tour has announced a significant policy change for 2025, updating its gender eligibility requirements to ensure that only athletes deemed 'female at birth' are eligible to compete in its tournaments. This decision effectively bans transgender women who have undergone male puberty from participating in LPGA events, including the Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour, and other elite competitions. The policy change was made in response to concerns about competitive advantages conferred by male puberty, highlighted by the case of transgender golfer Hailey Davidson. The LPGA's statement emphasized the importance of maintaining fairness in women's golf, stating that 'the effects of male puberty confer competitive advantages in golf performance compared to players who have not undergone male puberty.' The USGA has also updated its gender role policies in line with the LPGA's decision.