The LPGA Tour updated its gender eligibility policy on Wednesday, which will go into effect at the start of the 2025 season.
The organization said in a news release that male players who have gone through male puberty are barred from playing on the LPGA Tour. Epson tourLadies European Tour and all other elite LPGA competitions.
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The LPGA and LET logos during the ISPS Handa World Invitational at Galgorm Castle Golf Club in Ballymena, Antrim, United Kingdom, on August 18, 2023. (Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
“Players assigned male at birth and who have undergone male puberty are not eligible to participate in the above events,” the organization said. “The policies governing the LPGA’s recreational programs and non-elite events use several criteria to provide opportunities for participation in the broader LPGA community.”
The announcement came after two professional golfers and a retired player appealed to the organization to change his rules.
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“Golf provides opportunities for all athletes to compete at the professional and elite amateur levels,” the LPGA Tour said. “Individual competitions are generally categorized as ‘women’s events,’ which have specific eligibility requirements, or ‘open events,’ where any player, regardless of gender, is eligible to compete.”
Outgoing LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan said the policy change is based on science.
The announcement came after two professional golfers and a retired player called on the organization to change the rules. (Marc Lebryk-USA Today Sports)
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“Our policy reflects a comprehensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” said Marcoux Samaan. “The policy represents our ongoing commitment to ensuring everyone feels welcome within our organization, while maintaining the fairness and competitiveness of our elite leagues.”
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