The LPGA and USGA updated their gender policies for competition eligibility, allowing only athletes assigned female at birth or assigned male at birth who did not undergo male puberty to compete in LPGA and USGA events. The guidelines will go into effect starting in the 2025 season, the two organizations announced Wednesday.
“Current scientific and medical research shows that sports performance differences exist between biological sexes and such differences begin to occur during the onset of puberty,” the USGA said in a release.
The LPGA said it employed a “top group of experts in medicine, science, sport physiology, golf performance and gender policy law” and they advised the LPGA that “the effects of male puberty confer competitive advantages in golf performance compared to players who have not undergone male puberty.”
Previously, athletes who transitioned from male to female after undergoing male puberty were eligible to participate in LPGA and USGA events. The USGA hosts the U.S. Women’s Open, among other national events.
“Individuals who have undergone gender reassignment from male to female after puberty are eligible for membership and/or participation in tournaments, provided they comply with the eligibility requirements set forth below and provide certain…