Transgender golfer to undergo additional testosterone testing

The CEO of the NXXT Golf Tour has responded to concerns arising from a transgender golfer winning on the circuit last week.

Stuart McKinnon has issued a statement addressing the tour’s gender policies following Hailey Davidson’s victory in the NXXT Women’s Classic at the Mission Inn Resort and Club.

The NXXT Tour, formerly the East Coast Women’s Pro Golf Tour, is a women’s professional golf circuit and is part of the LPGA pathway.

After an impressive start to the season, Davidson currently leads the tour’s rankings and, subject to certain strength of field conditions being met, could be in line for exemptions on the Epson Tour, the official feeder circuit to the LPGA.

The 30-year-old’s victory last week has divided opinion and generated widespread media attention, prompting tour CEO McKinnon to issue a statement addressing those concerns.

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“The recent discussions surrounding Hailey Davidson’s participation and success on our tour have highlighted a range of viewpoints,” he wrote.

“The NXXT Women’s Pro Tour acknowledges these perspectives while emphasising that our policies and decisions are guided by the frameworks set by the LPGA and USGA. Our primary focus remains on supporting our players’ aspirations and contributing to their journey towards the LPGA.

“Recognising the spectrum of views on this issue, we wish to highlight that our decisions are guided by what is best for our players, setting aside personal beliefs. Part of our commitment is ensuring an environment that is inclusive and safe for all members.

“In light of recent events, we have initiated a poll among our tour players to gather their opinions on our gender policy. We believe it is vital to consider the perspectives of those directly affected by these policies.”

McKinnon added that the NXXT Tour has also requested that Davidson undergoes additional testosterone testing to “ensure compliance with the appropriate guidelines”.

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“We understand that this topic evokes strong feelings and diverse viewpoints,” he added. “We encourage constructive dialogue and respect for all athletes who strive to compete at the highest levels of their sport.

“We are committed to upholding the highest standards of the sport, supporting our players’ aspirations, and fostering a respectful and inclusive atmosphere that embraces innovative changes.”

Speaking to Sky News, Ayrshire-born Davidson admitted she had an “unfair advantage” over her competitors a few years ago but insists that is no longer the case.

“I’ve been transitioning for nine years,” she said. “I’ve been on hormones for almost nine years, I had surgery coming up almost on three years ago. I’ve lost just over 15mph swing speed.

“Trans athletes shouldn’t be banned, but at the same time, there needs to be regulations in place because it shouldn’t just be a free for all,” she said.

“I think with so many topics, we as a society just need to sit down and listen to each other rather than scream at each other and put hatred on it.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor