LPGA Pro Amy Olson Urges Tour To Protect Female-Born Players By Changing Transgender Policy
Former LPGA pro Amy Olson, along with 275 other players, has signed a letter calling for changes to the LPGA Tour's gender participation policy. The controversy centers around transgender golfers' eligibility to compete in women's events.
The current LPGA policy, established in 2010, allows transgender women to participate if they've undergone hormone therapy for at least one year and completed gender reassignment surgery. This policy came under scrutiny after transgender pro Hailey Davidson earned a spot on the Epson Tour.
Olson argues that this policy undermines the legacy of the LPGA's 13 founders, who built the tour specifically for women. She advocates for a return to allowing only female-born players to compete, stating: "If you're born female, you're a female. If you're born male, you're a male."
Female golfer in dark clothing
Key points of contention:
- Competitive fairness concerns
- Protection of opportunities for female-born players
- Preservation of the LPGA's founding principles
Three golfers holding tournament trophies
Olson rejects partial solutions, such as banning only post-puberty transitions, arguing this could incentivize earlier transitions in children. Instead, she suggests transgender athletes could:
- Compete in open divisions
- Play on male tours
- Participate in a dedicated transgender league
Smiling woman in golf attire
The LPGA Tour has acknowledged these concerns and is conducting a policy review, with potential updates expected for the 2025 season.