Pro Golfer Urges LPGA Tour To Review Gender Policy Rules And 'Protect Female Athletes'
Professional golfer Olivia Schmidt is calling for the LPGA Tour to revise its gender participation policy to "protect female golfers." Speaking in the documentary series 'Tee Time: Keep Women's Golf Female,' Schmidt expressed concerns about competing against transgender athletes in professional women's golf.
The current LPGA policy, established in 2010, allows transgender women to compete if they have:
- Undergone at least one year of hormone therapy
- Completed gender reassignment surgery
- Met specific eligibility requirements
LPGA and LET tournament signage
Schmidt, who competed against transgender golfer Hailey Davidson at LPGA Tour Q-School, joined 274 other female professionals in signing letters to the LPGA Tour, IGF, and USGA requesting policy changes.
Golfer celebrates with trophy near statue
Key points from Schmidt's statement:
- Calls for LPGA to protect the majority rather than "the few"
- Emphasizes the campaign is "pro-women" rather than "anti-trans"
- Advocates for maintaining women's golf as a female-only sport
- Highlights the significant personal sacrifices made pursuing professional golf
Smiling woman in golf attire
According to the Independent Women's Forum, the LPGA Tour is expected to announce new guidelines for transgender athletes this month. The LPGA Tour has been contacted for comment regarding these potential changes.