Hailey Davidson is attempting to become the first transgender woman to earn an LPGA Tour Card and recently won a NXXT Women’s Pro Tour event, but still has a long way to go
After winning a women’s event, transgender golfer Hailey Davidson is making waves in the sport and is now aiming for a spot on the LPGA Tour. Even though she has received criticism, Davidson is going one tournament at a time.
She recently participated in a Florida NXXT Women’s Pro Tour event, defeating Lauren Miller in two playoff holes to win. But even with her recent achievements, Davidson still has a long way to go before she can call herself a member of the LPGA Tour.
The Epson Tour, which acts as an LPGA development tour, is partnered with the NXXT. A golfer must place among the top five earners on the NXXT points list in order to be eligible for the LPGA Tour and to receive two exemptions into Epson Tour fields. With 1,320 points overall, Davidson is currently in the lead in the points table.
The NXXT must, however, host a minimum of 10 events with at least 40 players each in order to qualify for these exemptions. After defeating 24 players in her most recent victory, Davidson would need to win an Epson Tour event in order to be invited to that tour. Her spot in the following tournament’s field would also be guaranteed if she finished in the top 10 of an Epson Tour event as a non-member.
Even though Davidson isn’t even close to earning an LPGA card, he used Instagram to dispel any rumors. She wrote: “It’s always interesting how, up until there’s any kind of success, nobody gets upset. Even though this win was incredible, I am incredibly far from the LPGA Tour and still have a lot of work to do in order to possibly earn a spot there in the future, despite what every article claims. I refuse to let hatred triumph, especially when it is founded on false information.”
In accordance with the LPGA’s Gender Policy, Davidson underwent gender reassignment surgery and began hormone therapy in January 2021. In 2010, the players voted to remove the “female at birth” requirement from the LPGA Tour.
Davidson seems unfazed by all the attention directed towards her, even after her victory. Even though she still has a ways to go before achieving her objective, her attitude is admirable, especially in light of the growing scrutiny.
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