The year 2024 has kicked off with some major changes being introduced in the world of golf. The LPGA Tour, for instance, has made a big announcement regarding some perks of crucial importance that even its non-member winners can avail of. However, is that opportunity truly open to all?
One such case that many questions have arisen about is that of Hailey Davidson, the first transgender woman to win a golf tournament. Interestingly, the short answer to this is no. But why?
Why will the new change in the LPGA Tour’s policy not apply to Hailey Davidson?
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Hailey Davidson has undoubtedly made history in the past with her back-to-back awe-striking performances. Her display of golfing grandeur at the NXXT Women’s Classic in Florida has led to fans questioning why she is not covered by the LPGA Tour for availing of the new perks that have been introduced for non-members like her.
Well, this is because she has not been a winner at any of the LPGA Tour events to date. The new modification necessitates the non-members having won at least once at any of the Tour’s events. Sadly, this is not the case with this golfer, who is full of potential.
However, for Davidson, this is not the end of hopes, as she still has the option to avail of the rule by making use of something like a sponsor exemption or take another route and eventually win on the LPGA Tour going forward in 2024.
Happy to report that non-members who win on the LPGA in 2024 will now receive Rolex POY points and Rookie of the Year points for the victory! (This came up after Rose Zhang won.) U.S. players will also receive Solheim Cup points for the 2026 period.
— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) February 2, 2024
In the event of such a win, she will be able to not only win the Rolex Person of the Year points but also the Rookie of the Year points. But are there any LPGA Tour events that she has qualified for till now?
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Davidson’s current status on the LPGA Tour
Her victory in Florida at the NXXT Tour has given her a boost on the leaderboard of the Tour, which has the aim of providing a boost to the game. Around 10 exemptions to participate in the Epson Tour will be provided to top players at the end of the NXXT schedule.
Read More: Lydia Ko: Why the New Zealander Is Still the LPGA Tour’s Biggest Asset
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If the famous golf personality makes it to the Epson Tour, she will have a chance to qualify for the LPGA Tour. So it is safe to say she has already taken her first step toward making use of the LPGA Tour’s new policy update.
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