Transgender golfer reacts strongly to LPGA Tour's gender-eligibility policy change.
Davidson responded to criticism on Instagram.
On Wednesday, the LPGA Tour updated its gender-eligibility policy, and Hailey Davidson, a transgender golfer aiming to break into the professional ranks, responded on social media.
Davidson competed on the NXXT Tour before the organization changed its gender-participation rules and was removed. Now, Davidson's potential route to the LPGA or Epson Tours has been blocked. In the fall, Davidson participated in Q School in an attempt to obtain an LPGA Tour card.
"I saw this coming. Banned from Epson and LPGA due to all the silence and people's desire to remain neutral. Thank you for nothing. This is a direct result of your silence." - Davidson, in an Instagram Stories post.
"The high suicide rate among transgender individuals is not surprising, given the challenges they face."
The LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour, and all other elite LPGA competitions do not allow male players who have gone through male puberty to compete.
"The organization stated that players who have gone through male puberty and were assigned male at birth are not eligible to participate in certain events. However, the policies governing the LPGA's recreational programs and non-elite events use different criteria to offer opportunities for participation in the broader LPGA community."
The organization received calls from two pro golfers and a retired player to change its rules, prompting an announcement.
"The LPGA Tour stated that golf provides athletes with the chance to compete at professional and elite amateur levels. Competitions are typically classified as "women's events" with specific eligibility criteria or "open events," where any player, regardless of gender, can participate."
The policy change, according to outgoing LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, is grounded in scientific evidence.
"Marcoux Samaan stated that our policy is based on an extensive, science-based, and inclusive approach. He emphasized that the policy reflects our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization while maintaining fairness and competitive equity in our elite competitions."
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