Hailey Davidson (Photos via Google)
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.”

Players assigned male at birth must prove they have not experienced any part of puberty beyond the first stage or after age 12. Then, they must meet limitation standards for testosterone levels.

The LPGA and USGA say their policies were geared toward being inclusive of gender identities and expression while striving for equity in competition.

Transgender Golfer Hailey Davidson Denounces New LPGA Tour Ban

The LPGA and U.S. Golf Association announced changes to their transgender policies that prohibit athletes who have experienced male puberty from competing in women’s events.

Hailey Davidson, a transgender athlete who competed in the second stage of LPGA Qualifying in October, is upset about this ruling.

The updated policies would rule out eligibility for Hailey Davidson.

Davidson, who began hormone treatments when she was in her early 20s in 2015 and in 2021 underwent gender-affirming surgery, spoke out on social media.

“Can’t say I didn’t see this coming,” Davidson wrote Wednesday on an Instagram story. “Banned from the Epson and the LPGA. All the silence and people wanting to stay ‘neutral’ thanks for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.”

The 31-year-old missed qualifying for the US Women’s Open this year.

Davidson last competed as a male golfer in 2015.