LPGA Adjusts Gender Policies for 2025 Season

The LPGA and USGA have announced new gender policies effective from the 2025 season that restrict participation in women's tournaments to players assigned female at birth or those who transitioned before male puberty. The policies were informed by a working group of experts who concluded that the effects of male puberty provide competitive advantages in golf performance. LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan emphasized that the rules aim to ensure fairness and inclusivity within elite competitions. Notably, the changes render transgender golfer Hailey Davidson ineligible for LPGA events, as she transitioned after going through male puberty. Davidson expressed disappointment on social media, highlighting a lack of support from the community. The new regulations also extend to the Epson Tour and other elite LPGA competitions.