The LPGA has revised its Gender Policy for Competition Eligibility, which will be made effective from the 2025 season. Developed with insights from experts in medicine, science, sports physiology, golf performance, and gender law, the policy prioritizes the integrity of women’s professional tournaments and elite amateur events. Research from this group highlights that male puberty provides competitive advantages in golf compared to those who have not experienced it.
According to the new guidelines, athletes assigned female at birth are eligible to compete on the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour, and other elite LPGA events. However, players assigned male at birth, who have undergone male puberty, will not be eligible for these reputed events. Different criteria apply to the LPGA’s recreational and non-elite programs, ensuring broader participation within the LPGA community.
Golf offers pathways for athletes at both professional and elite amateur levels. Competitions are typically categorized into “women’s events” with specific eligibility, or “open events,” where any player, regardless of sex, may compete. For more details, one needs to look up the website: lpga.com/gender-policy.
“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.”

The United States Golf Association (USGA) has revised a new Competitive Fairness Gender Policy, which is going to be made effective from2025. This policy reaffirms the USGA’s dedication to inclusivity, and ensures that athletes of all gender identities and expressions are welcomed to take part in the tournaments while maintaining fairness in competition.
The policy establishes clear eligibility criteria for women’s competitions, aiming to preserve a level playing field. Athletes should either be assigned female at birth or should be transitioned to female before undergoing male puberty to compete in USGA women’s events. This decision is informed by current scientific and medical research, which highlights performance differences between biological sexes that begin during puberty.
By implementing this policy, the USGA aims at balancing inclusivity with competitive integrity, ensuring fair opportunities for all athletes in its championships.

Picture Courtesy: LPGA & USGA official websites