The LPGA has announced a significant update to its Gender Policy for Competition Eligibility, effective with the 2025 season, aimed at maintaining fairness and competitive integrity in women’s professional golf tournaments and elite amateur events.The policy was developed by a working group of experts in medicine, science, sports physiology, golf performance, and gender policy law, incorporating input from various stakeholders. According to the group’s findings, the effects of male puberty confer competitive advantages in golf performance compared to players who have not undergone male puberty.Under the revised rules, only athletes assigned female at birth will be eligible to compete in LPGA Tour events, the Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour, and other elite LPGA competitions. Players assigned male at birth who have undergone male puberty will not be eligible for these competitions.The LPGA emphasized that policies for its recreational programs and non-elite events will differ, aiming to ensure opportunities for participation within the broader LPGA community. Golf’s structure allows for “women’s events” with specific eligibility criteria and “open events,” where all players, regardless of sex, may compete.“Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan. “The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.”
