Trending Now - Transgender Golfer Sues LPGA Over Competition Ban

WHO:

Hailey Davidson, transgender golfer

LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)

USGA (United States Golf Association)

James Talarico, Texas Democratic Senate candidate

Stuart McKinnon, NXXT Golf CEO

WHAT:

Hailey Davidson has filed a lawsuit against the LPGA and USGA.

Davidson was barred from participating in a US Women's Open qualifier in 2025.

The LPGA's gender policy prohibits biological males who underwent male puberty from competing in women's competitions.

Davidson began hormone treatments in 2015 and underwent gender-affirming surgery in 2021.

Davidson competed in a U.S. Open qualifier and LPGA Qualifying School in 2024 but did not qualify.

Davidson also filed a lawsuit against NXXT in December 2025 after it changed its policies to prevent biological males from competing against females.

WHERE:

Hackensack Golf Club, location of the denied entry for Davidson.

WHEN:

Davidson's hormone treatments began in 2015.

Davidson underwent gender-affirming surgery in 2021.

Davidson's lawsuit against the LPGA and USGA was filed in 2026.

NXXT filed a motion to dismiss Davidson's lawsuit in February 2026.

The LPGA changed its gender policies in December 2024.

WHY:

The LPGA's gender policy aims to protect the competitive integrity of elite women’s golf.

Davidson claims the new policy effectively bans transgender women from competing in USGA women’s events or the LPGA.

HOW:

The LPGA's gender policy was developed through a "thoughtful, expert-informed process."

NXXT Golf's policy change was described as a measure to protect women's sports and ensure clarity and competitive integrity.

(UPDATED March 22, 2026 01:42 UTC)

Hailey Davidson, a transgender golfer, has filed a lawsuit against the LPGA and USGA after being barred from participating in a US Women's Open qualifier last year due to the LPGA's gender policy, which prohibits biological males who underwent male puberty from competing in women's events. Davidson, who began hormone treatments in 2015 and underwent gender-affirming surgery in 2021, also previously competed in a U.S. Open qualifier and LPGA Qualifying School in 2024 but did not qualify. Additionally, she filed a lawsuit against NXXT Golf in December 2025 after the company changed its policies to prevent biological males from competing against females, a move they described as necessary to protect women's sports.