The LPGA and USGA have introduced revised gender regulations, effective 2025, for female tournaments. Competitors must be assigned female at birth or transition before male puberty to compete in events like the LPGA Tour and USGA championships. This policy would mean exclusion for Hailey Davidson, who narrowly missed qualifying for the US Women's Open and faced eligibility issues due to her transition after starting hormone therapy in her 20s. Davidson expressed frustration with the new rules, noting their impact on her golf career prospects.
Officials say the measures followed an extensive examination of medical and scientific perspectives concerning gender and sports equity. Both organizations say they emphasize inclusivity, balancing gender identity with competitive fairness. LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan underscored that the policy is "science-based and inclusive," aiming to foster a welcoming environment without compromising competition fairness. Former LPGA Commissioner and current USGA CEO Mike Whan highlighted the focus on "competitive fairness," likening the policy to those implemented by other sports.
Additional guidelines require those assigned male at birth to demonstrate no progression beyond the first stage of puberty or after age 12, and meet testosterone limitation standards. The updated policy affects multiple tours and will commence with the US Women's Amateur Four-Ball championship in May 2025. "Will [the policy] change in the years to come as medicine changes? Probably," Whan said. "But I think today this stacks up." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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