The NXXT Golf tour, a professional women’s golf tour based in Florida, has revised its eligibility criteria to only allow competitors who are biological females at birth. The policy update comes in the wake of transgender golfer Hailey Davidson’s win at the NXXT Women’s Classic earlier this year, which created a storm of controversy over fairness in women’s sports competitions.
The new policy was also ironically announced on International Women’s Day. The announcement is a pivot from NXXT’s previous stance, which permitted transgender women to compete alongside biological females.
Hailey Davidson, who won the NXXT Women’s Classic in Orlando, Florida, has been a notable figure in the debate over transgender athletes’ participation in sports. Davidson’s victory had placed him at the forefront of discussions regarding the competitive integrity of women’s sports.
“As we navigate through the evolving landscape of sports, it is crucial to uphold the competitive integrity that is the cornerstone of women’s sports,” said NXXT CEO Stuart McKinnon.
“Our revised policy is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to celebrating and protecting the achievements and opportunities of female athletes. Protected categories are a fundamental aspect of sports at all levels, and it is essential for our Tour to uphold these categories for biological females, ensuring a level playing field,” McKinnon continued.
“NXXT Golf is honored to lead in promoting and advancing women’s golf, providing a platform that not only highlights the exceptional talent of women golfers worldwide but also ensures the competition remains equitable for all of our players.”
Davidson last participated in the NXXT during the Royal St. Cloud Women’s Championship the previous week, concluding the event in a tie for 24th place with a ten-over par total. With one victory and two runner-up positions across nine tournaments this year, Davidson occupied the second spot in the standings for the Road to the Epson Tour.
This year, Davidson’s performances garnered a total of 1,801 points, placing him 99 points behind the leader, Maria Bohorquez, and 500 points ahead of third place. Had he continued to compete in the NXXT and retained his ranking, he would have secured an exemption to the Epson Tour, which serves as the developmental pathway to the LPGA.
“NXXT Golf and its NXXT Women’s Pro Tour are at the forefront of women’s professional golf, dedicated to promoting the sport and providing competitive platforms for both emerging talents and seasoned professionals,” the site reads. “The tour showcases top-tier women’s golf through 14 prestigious events across Florida’s iconic courses, enhanced by a strategic partnership with the LPGA and the EPSON TOUR, offering the opportunity for 10 EPSON TOUR exemptions.”
The decision prompted a wide array of responses, with many viewing it as a win for common sense and the integrity of women’s sports. In response to the backlash and as part of its policy revision process, NXXT had also conducted polling among its players regarding the gender policy and requested Davidson to undergo additional testosterone testing.