Transgender golfer Hailey Davidson began the second stage of LPGA qualifying with a score of 78, as 275 female golfers signed a letter opposing the current rules that allow individuals assigned male at birth to compete in women’s events.
The letter, shared by the Independent Women’s Forum, was sent to the LPGA, USGA, and International Golf Federation, urging a review of policies based on biological sex to maintain fairness in the sport. Davidson, who narrowly missed a playoff in U.S. Women’s Open qualifying, advanced from LPGA pre-qualifying to the second stage but currently sits in a tie for 171st place out of 194 players.
Davidson began transitioning in 2015 and underwent surgery in 2021. While she has competed on smaller tours, two circuits, including the NXXT Golf Tour and Cactus Tour, recently updated their eligibility requirements to allow only those assigned female at birth to compete.
The LPGA is reviewing its participation policy, with any potential changes expected by next season.