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Hailey Davidson in LPGA—Is this a win for inclusivity or a challenge to fairness in sports?

She had almost gotten in at the Lancaster Country Club. Hailey Davidson had, despite the loss at the 36-hole qualifier at Bradenton Country Club, earned the first alternate position back at the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open. Fast forward to the present and curiosity naturally peaks about the athlete as the next major, the Amundi Evian Championship, inches closer in the golfing world.

The fourth major on the women’s circuit will kick off at the Evian Resort Golf Club on July 11, Thursday. As per the announcement by the LPGA Tour, the trans athlete is not part of the field for the upcoming major championship.

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There are primarily seven ways in which a golfer can qualify for the Amundi Evian Championship. It includes being a past champion, major winner, Rolex top 50, and LPGA Tour winner, among others. Some athletes can, meanwhile, tee it off at the major through special invitations, qualifying tournaments, and by finishing top at various events. Unfortunately, Davidson does not fit into any of these criteria, causing her to miss out on the major.

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The professional, on the other hand, has not been without her fair share of difficulties. Davidson was banned from playing on the NXXT Tour after the circuit announced a change in its rules for the athletes. Regulations now indicate that all players need to be biologically female to tee it off at the mini Tour, causing a huge setback to her.

This is just a slap in the face to ALL the female athletes,” stated the professional before pointing out how the rule basically attacks all female athletes, You think you are attacking me, but you are actually attacking and putting down ALL other female athletes.” The decision came after much controversy and calls raising issues against the transgender athlete’s position on the scoreboard.

The ousting of trans athlete Hailey Davidson

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Hailey Davidson in LPGA—Is this a win for inclusivity or a challenge to fairness in sports?

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The golfer’s win at the Mission Inn Resort and Club on the NXXT Tour propelled her to the top of the rankings. A lot of backlash came, as a result of the same. Later, it caused the officials to request her to undergo additional testosterone testing. They did so while highlighting the need to “ensure compliance with the appropriate guidelines.”

Come March, the athlete was banned from taking part in the mini-circuit. “It is crucial to uphold the competitive integrity that is the cornerstone of women’s sports,” divulged NXXT Tour’s CEO Stuart McKinnon before adding, “Our revised policy is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to celebrating and protecting the achievements and opportunities of female athletes.” Well, Hailey Davidson can only wait in hopes of a change occurring anytime soon. But when would that happen? Only time will tell!