21 January 2024 , 02:55
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Transgender golfer Hailey Davidson is making waves in the world of golf, winning a women's event and now setting her sights on a place on the LPGA Tour. Despite facing some backlash, Davidson is taking it one tournament at a time.
She recently competed in a NXXT Women's Pro Tour event in Florida, where she emerged victorious after two playoff holes against Lauren Miller. However, despite her recent success, Davidson still has a long journey ahead to secure a spot on the LPGA Tour.
The NXXT has a partnership with the Epson Tour, which serves as a developmental tour for the LPGA. To be considered for the LPGA Tour, a golfer must rank in the top five earners on the NXXT points list to earn two exemptions into Epson Tour fields. Currently, Davidson leads the points table with 1,320 total points.
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However, to get these exemptions, the NXXT must host a minimum of 10 events with at least 40 players each. In her most recent win, Davidson beat 24 players and would need to win an Epson Tour event to secure a place on that tour. A top-10 finish in an Epson Tour event as a non-member would also secure her spot in the next tournament's field.
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Despite not being close to qualifying for a LPGA card yet, Davidson took to Instagram to clear up any rumours. She wrote: "It's always interesting how no one gets angry until there is any form of success. While this win was amazing, unlike every article is saying, I am so incredibly far from the LPGA Tour with a lot of work to be done to possibility earn my way there one day. I will never allow hate to win, especially when based in some misinformation."
Hailey Davidson is on her way to the LPGA Tour (Instagram: haileydgolf)Davidson started hormone treatments and had gender reassessment surgery in January 2021, as required by the LPGA's Gender Policy. The LPGA Tour removed its "female at birth" requirement in 2010, after the players voted for it.
Even with all the talk about her, Davidson's determination doesn't seem to waver, even now that she has a win. And though she has a long journey ahead to reach her goal, her attitude speaks volumes, particularly in the face of increased scrutiny.
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