LGPA and USGA policy admits male advantages but still allows those who ‘transition’ before male puberty

The LPGA and USGA have updated eligibility rules for women’s tournaments, restricting participation to biological females and males who meet specific puberty-related criteria.

Biological males can participate in 2025 if they “have not experienced any part of male puberty either Beyond Tanner Stage 2 or after age 12 (whichever comes first),” the policy states.

“As the global leader in women’s golf, the LPGA is committed to using our unique platform to empower, inspire, and advance opportunities for girls and women, and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion remains integral to who we are and what we do,” the association said in introducing its new gender policy.

Nevertheless, after consultation “with top experts in the fields of medicine, science, sport physiology and golf performance,” LPGA said it has been “advised that a Player’s exposure to male puberty provides physical advantages that are beneficial to golf performance compared to Players who have not had such exposure.” 

“Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” said outgoing LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, according to the Associated Press (AP). “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.” 

The language of LPGA’s new policy adopts the pro-trans phrase “sex assigned at birth” and states “LGPA respects the right of all individuals to adopt a gender identity different than their “Sex Assigned at Birth.” 

The association, however, has recently struggled with the controversy surrounding trans golfer Hailey Davidson, who came close to qualifying for the U.S. Women’s Open this year, but will not be eligible under the new gender policy for 2025. Davidson began hormone treatments in 2015 when in his early 20s, and then underwent so-called “gender-affirming” surgery in 2021. 

The golfer “won this year on a Florida mini-tour called NXXT Golf until the circuit announced in March that players had to be assigned female at birth,” the AP reported. 

“Can’t say I didn’t see this coming,” Davidson reportedly wrote Wednesday on Instagram. “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.” 

USGA’s new 2025 Competitive Fairness Gender Policy states although it “ensures the USGA’s longstanding commitment to welcoming all gender identities and gender expressions while maintaining equity in competition,” it also “reflects several changes related to transgender athletes.” 

Additionally, the policy says it “ensures competitive opportunities are provided for athletes playing in USGA women’s competitions without allowing an unfair advantage for athletes who have received the sports performance benefits of male puberty, meaning athletes must be assigned female at birth or have transitioned to female prior to going through male puberty in order to compete.” 

“We remain committed to providing opportunities for everyone to compete for a national title or team but have made changes to our eligibility criteria that reflects current scientific data and strives to maintain competitive integrity,” USGA CEO Mike Whan said in a statement. “Our updated policy reflects a thoughtful and thorough process during which the USGA consulted with leading medical professionals from around the world.”