Transgender golfer Hayley Davidson is speaking out after the NXXT Pro Women’s Tour ruled that all participants must be “female at birth” to compete.
This rule change meant that Davidson would be excluded from NXXT events because he is male. Davidson lamented the ban on his own Instagram account.
“Effective immediately, I have been removed (banned) from the upcoming three NXXT tournaments for which I have already signed up and been approved to play,” Davidson wrote. “After I had already signed up and finished second in the Player of the Year race, they changed course midway through the season.”
Davidson became the face of transgender issues in golf after winning the NXXT Women’s Classic in January. NXXT leadership felt the backlash that came with this victory, but NXXT initially tried to defend the decision to include Davidson.
(Christian Adams/Getty Images)
“The NXXT Women’s Professional Tour’s policies, particularly those regarding gender, are designed to be consistent with LPGA policies. and the USGA. “This approach is critical to maintaining the integrity of our partnership with the LPGA and ensuring a fair and consistent competitive environment,” the statement said. “When Haley Davidson joined the Tour, she complied with these policies by providing the required documentation, including verification from the LPGA and USGA, which also facilitated her participation in Q-School in 2022. became.”
NXXT conducted a survey of its members asking for their opinions on Davidson’s participation in the competition. On Friday, NXXT announced a new policy.
NXXT GOLF CEO Stuart McKinnon said: “As we navigate the evolving sporting landscape, it is critical that we maintain the competitive integrity that is the foundation of women’s sport.”
(Richard Newstead/Getty Images)
“Our revised policy reflects our unwavering commitment to celebrating and protecting the achievements and opportunities of female athletes. Protected categories are a fundamental aspect of sport at all levels; Preserving the biological female category and ensuring a level playing field is essential to our tour.”
It is unclear whether Davidson plans to appeal or protest the decision.
