LPGA and USGA Introduce New Gender Eligibility Rules for 2025

The policies bar transgender players who transitioned after male puberty from competing in elite women’s golf events.

The LPGA and USGA announced new gender eligibility policies requiring players to be assigned female at birth or to have transitioned before male puberty to compete in women’s tournaments.
These changes, effective in 2025, apply to elite competitions such as the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour, and eight USGA championships.
The policies were developed with input from experts in medicine, science, sports physiology, and gender policy law, citing competitive advantages conferred by male puberty.
Transgender golfer Hailey Davidson, who began transitioning in her 20s, will be ineligible under the new rules, despite her recent progress in professional golf qualification.
The organizations emphasized balancing inclusivity with fairness in competition, aligning their policies with those of other sports like swimming and track and field.