Transgender golfer Haley Davidson has taken legal action against the women’s golf tour NXXT, alleging that the organization altered its policy to prohibit both biological males and females from competing. Davidson filed the lawsuit in December.
This week, attorneys for NXXT, along with the America First Policy Institute, submitted a motion to dismiss, expressing confidence that the case will not proceed. NXXT Golf CEO Stuart McKinnon stated, “We have asked the court to deny the complaint and we are actively addressing this matter.”
McKinnon emphasized the intention behind the policy shift, stating, “This was simply to protect women’s sports, aiming for clarity and the integrity of competition. As a professional tour, we believe it’s our duty to define these categories.”
After updating the policy, McKinnon reached out to Davidson, offering her a chance to compete in an open category at no cost. He also proposed covering her expenses for the Q-School, a prestigious tournament where golfers vie for playing status on the PGA and Korn Ferry Tours.
“Before the policy change, I had discussions with Davidson and extended an opportunity to participate in the Open Division and even considered a management role for her there,” McKinnon recounted. “We were going to pay for her Q-School tuition, demonstrating our respect for what she wanted to achieve.” He suggested that her legacy could be significant, paving the way for future generations, but noted, “That can’t happen on this women’s tour under my management. We had to change course.”
Davidson eventually declined the offer. The ongoing legal fight with Davidson was anticipated by McKinnon following the policy alteration, which was prompted by feedback gathered from female golfers. He mentioned that the organization used an anonymous survey, yielding a high response rate, and revealed a predominant concern among players regarding Davidson’s participation.
“The results indicated significant discussion among players, many of whom felt the new policy was appropriate,” McKinnon added. “The feedback centered on addressing inequity.” Some female golfers expressed support for Davidson to compete, but McKinnon stated they respectfully disagreed.
Davidson notably achieved first place in a January 2024 tournament, marking her third victory in that event, and is in contention to earn an exemption on the Epson Tour, where successful players can advance to the LPGA Tour.
During this time, LPGA rules permitted biological males to compete under limited conditions. NXXT was among the first women’s tours to implement the policy changes, and subsequent to this, the LPGA adopted additional restrictions to safeguard the women’s category.
While Davidson and NXXT are at odds legally, McKinnon is optimistic that the lawsuit won’t interfere with tour activities. “Nothing has changed from an operational standpoint. We will keep progressing,” he mentioned. “We expanded our offerings, launching the NXXT Battle Tour and the junior-focused NXXT Gene Tour. We’ve even partnered with Sir Nick Faldo on the NEXT Junior Tour, implying growth for the NXXT system.”
NXXT’s communication regarding Davidson’s legal claim notes that she alleges the organization breached contractual obligations, made deceptive statements, and improperly barred her from professional golf opportunities. Her complaint specifies that the defendants deviated from agreed terms by prohibiting her from participating in the NXXT Winter Series and retaining her tournament fees without offering the exemption she had earned.
