A transgender golfer who competed in college on a men’s team just recently claimed victory in a women’s mini-tour event and now hopes to compete in the Ladies Professional Golf Association.
Hailey Davidson, who underwent sex reassignment surgery in January, shot -2 over two rounds in the National Women’s Golf Association match at Providence Golf Club in Orlando, Florida.
That same day, the United States Golf Association revealed that Davidson met its gender policy eligibility criteria and would be able to compete in the organization’s events, GolfWeek reported.
“I’m not just going to be stuck on mini-tours,” said Davidson.
The 28-year-old golfer, who last competed as a male in 2015 at a U.S. Open qualifying tournament, is believed to have become the first transgender person to win a professional golf tournament in the U.S.
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In a statement to GolfWeek, the LPGA’s chief tour operations officer, Heather Daly-Donofrio, said, “We are currently reviewing Hailey’s application to participate in LPGA Tour events under the LPGA’s gender policy. The policy is designed to be a private and confidential process between the LPGA and the athlete.”
GolfWeek reported that since beginning hormone treatment, Davidson’s swing has lost 9 mph, resulting in drives from the tee that are now 30 yards shorter. She has also lost 90 pounds over the last year and has avoided weight training of any kind to trim muscle mass.
“Any advantage that existed is fully gone,” the athlete insisted.
