A transgender woman says she was wrongly denied the chance to compete in a U.S. Women’s Open qualifier — and she’s now taking legal action in response.

Hailey Davidson, a 33-year-old transgender woman, filed a lawsuit on Thursday against the golf club that hosted the qualifier, as well as the USGA, the LPGA, and three LPGA officials. She is seeking unspecified damages.

The lawsuit follows recent policy changes implemented by the USGA and LPGA for events beginning in 2025. Under the updated guidelines, competitors must either be assigned female at birth or have transitioned before undergoing male puberty in order to be eligible.

Davidson, who transitioned after puberty, argues in the lawsuit that the revised policy essentially excludes transgender women from participating in USGA women’s events and LPGA competitions. She contends that because many states restrict access to hormone treatments or puberty blockers for minors, the policy creates an unfair barrier.

In a statement, the LPGA acknowledged the lawsuit and said it would “let that process play out on the proper forum.”

“The LPGA’s gender policy was developed through a thoughtful, expert-informed process and is grounded in protecting the competitive integrity of elite women’s golf,” the statement said via ESPN.

Obviously, this is a significant development, and it led to a lot of reactions from the sports world.

“How tournament owners feel about this? They are the ones finding sponsors, purses, and getting the LPGA their cut.
Will the pros end up leaving for LET? Will the LPGA money dry up?” one fan wrote.

“Rules are rules. If I say people born male who have transitioned (and should be supported) have an unfair physical advantage in any sport where physicality is a massive part of succeeding. Then it’s game over,” someone else added.

“I’m all for trans rights but I draw the line on stuff like this. It’s ridiculous,” another person added.

“Well I’ll be interested to see how this plays out!” someone else said.

Davidson previously competed in a U.S. Open qualifier and attended LPGA Qualifying School in 2024 under the prior policy, but did not advance in either event.