Transgender golfer Hayley Davidson speaks out after the NXXT Women’s Pro Tour announced Friday that eligible participants must be “biologically female at birth” to compete in the event. Davidson was effectively banned from participating in all future tournaments.
Davidson, who recently won the NXXT Women’s Classic in January, addressed the policy update in a post on her Instagram Story.
“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.”
The win at the Women’s Classic on Jan. 18 was Davidson’s first victory in more than two years, and at that point Davidson was in the lead to earn an exemption spot on the Epson Tour at season’s end.
However, the tour faced massive backlash and was forced to issue a statement clarifying its policy at the time and Davidson’s eligibility.
“The NXXT Women’s Professional Tour’s policies, particularly those regarding gender, are designed to be consistent with LPGA and USGA policies. This approach maintains the integrity of our partnership with the LPGA and ensures a fair and consistent competitive environment. It is very important to ensure that when Haley Davidson joined the Tour, she complied with these policies by submitting the required documentation, including certifications from the LPGA and USGA, which would allow her to participate in the 2022 Tour. It has also become easier to participate in Q-School,” the statement said.
The tour said it plans to survey players about the policy.
And on Friday, NXXT GOLF CEO Stuart McKinnon issued a statement announcing a policy change that would mean any competitor who is not a “biologically born female” would be ineligible to participate.
“As we navigate the evolving sports landscape, it is critical that we maintain the competitive integrity that is the foundation of women’s sport,” McKinnon said.
“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.”
The NXXT Women’s Pro Tour declined to comment specifically on Davidson’s comments.
