The topic of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports has been a hot-button issue as of late across numerous different sports. And now, the world of golf is seemingly in the midst of its own debate about the issue after a transgender golfer attempted to qualify for the upcoming 2024 U.S. Women’s Open later this month.
Transgender golfer Hailey Davidson participated in a qualifying event for the U.S. Open on Monday where the top two golfers competing earn a bid into the prestigious tournament. Davidson finished in third place in the qualifier, which means that she will be the first alternative for the event should any player currently in the U.S. Open field decide to withdraw from the event.
There is still certainly a chance that Davidson could find a spot in the U.S. Open. And naturally, there are some biological female golfers that are none too happy about this.
LPGA star Dana Fall took to social media to blast the USGA, the governing body of the U.S. Open event, for their policy on allowing transgender golfers to be able to compete against biological female golfers.
@USGA I’m not sure what the The U.S. WOMENS Open is anymore because I don’t understand what a women is anymore 🤔 @USGAMike https://t.co/RyHux8ShRs
— Dana Fall (Finkelstein) (@danafallgolf) May 13, 2024
The current policy of the USGA on the matter states that any transgender golfer looking to compete against female golfers must fulfill a few requirements, including “declaring” their identity and undergoing gender reassignment surgery.
Only time will tell whether someone does indeed withdraw from the upcoming U.S. Open and give Davidson a spot in the event. But if that does indeed happen, there will surely be plenty of criticism from other fellow players participating in the tournament.
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.