Women’s golf tour owner reveals harrowing experience with trans golfer that sparked push for new LPGA ban
The LPGA recently implemented a new rule that bans post-puberty biological males from competing in professional women’s golf tournaments. This decision has been met with widespread celebration from women’s sports activists. However, transgender golfer Hailey Davidson has spoken out against the ban, claiming that the LPGA did not seek her input on the decision.
Davidson’s participation in the NXXT Golf Tour, which was purchased by venture capitalist Stuart McKinnon in January 2023, led to her becoming one of the first transgender athletes to be banned from a professional women’s golf event earlier this year. McKinnon explained that he had followed the rules set by the LPGA, which allowed trans athletes to participate, but ultimately decided to ban Davidson due to concerns about fairness and competitive advantages.
After Davidson’s dominating performance on the tour, McKinnon consulted with experts and conducted an anonymous poll among players, which overwhelmingly supported making a change regarding Davidson’s eligibility. Despite initial fears of backlash, McKinnon and his family decided to go ahead with the ban, which was met with minimal negative feedback and instead received support from the golfing community.
Following NXXT’s decision, the LPGA passed a similar rule barring post-puberty biological males from competing against females in professional tournaments. This move was praised by several female golfers, including Lauren Miller, Hannah Arnold, Dana Fall, and Amy Olson, who emphasized the importance of fair competition and acknowledging biological differences between men and women in sports.
While Davidson has not yet responded to requests for comment, the conversation around transgender athletes in women’s sports continues to evolve. The implementation of these new rules signals a shift towards prioritizing fair competition and creating a level playing field for all athletes in professional golf.
