The 79th annual U.S. Open is set to take place later this month. And in a recent qualifying event for the major championship, transgender golfer Hailey Davidson tried, and ultimately failed, to earn her spot for the prestigious event.
Davidson, who was banned from the NXXT Golf Tour back in Florida after a ruling that only biological female golfers would be able to compete, competed at a 36-hole U.S. Open qualifier at Bradenton Country Club on Monday.
By rule, the top two golfers at the qualifying event earn their spot into the U.S. Open. So obviously, it was essential for Davidson to finish at or near the top of the leaderboard.
Davidson was able to put in a good effort, finishing at one-over par for the event which was very close to a top-two score. However, two amateur golfers finished just ahead of Davidson, who ended up with a third-place finish.
Naturally, this means that Davidson did not earn a U.S. Open bid. But the solid performance did mean that Davidson is the first alternative for the U.S. Open. So if any other golfers are unable to compete in the event for any reason, Davidson would take their place.
It’s obviously not the result that Davidson likely hoped for. But at the very least, the door is not closed on still potentially finding a way into the event.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.