The world of sports is at a crossroads, particularly in golf, where the inclusion of transgender athletes has become a focal point of intense discussion. At NXXT Golf, we have always been committed to fairness and integrity, principles that guide every decision we make. Earlier this year, in March, we made the groundbreaking decision to restrict participation in our women’s tour to individuals who are female at birth. This policy was not just a reactionary move; it was a considered decision, grounded in our commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all female athletes.
The Current Landscape
The ongoing LPGA Stage 1 Q-School has brought this issue to the forefront once again. Hailey Davidson, a transgender golfer, is currently competing and, after three rounds, has made the first cut, standing at T-40th with a score of 3 under par. This achievement has secured Hailey conditional status on the 2025 Epson Tour. As Hailey continues to progress through Q-School, with each successive cut increasing her status, the conversations around NXXT Golf’s policy have intensified. Since our policy change, and particularly with Hailey’s recent performance, I have received numerous inquiries about our stance and whether we will amend our policy to align with those of the LPGA and Epson Tour. Let me be clear: NXXT Golf remains steadfast in our decision.
The Rationale
At NXXT Golf, we believe that women’s sports exist as a protected category for a reason. The physical differences between men and women are undeniable and can impact performance in ways that create an uneven playing field. Our decision was driven by a commitment to fairness—a core value that underpins everything we do at NXXT. We understood that this decision would spark significant conversation, but we were prepared to stand by what we believe is the right course for the integrity of women’s sports.
Listening to Our Players
This decision wasn’t made in isolation. We deeply value the perspectives of our athletes, and before making any changes, we conducted an anonymous player poll. The results were compelling: an overwhelming majority of our players supported the policy change, reinforcing our conviction that this was the right path forward. Our players are world-class athletes who have dedicated their lives to reaching the pinnacle of their sport. Many are striving to make it to the LPGA, and they deserve to compete on a fair platform where their hard work and dedication are measured on equal terms. Their voices were critical in shaping our decision, and they continue to be a driving force behind our commitment to fairness and integrity in women’s sports.
A Family Decision
As a father of five daughters, all of whom have excelled as elite athletes, I understand the unique challenges that female athletes face. My daughters have worked tirelessly to compete at the highest levels, and they supported our decision fully, knowing that it was made to protect the integrity of the sport they love. Watching my daughters navigate the intense challenges of elite competition has profoundly shaped my perspective on the importance of fairness in sports. This isn’t just about winning or losing—it’s about ensuring that every athlete has the opportunity to compete on a truly level playing field, where their success is determined by their talent, dedication, and hard work.
Encouraging Dialogue
Since announcing this policy change, I’ve been sought out by other governing bodies looking for guidance on how we came to this decision. It’s a difficult conversation, and I understand why many organizations are reluctant to take this step—especially with the potential for backlash. However, the anticipated backlash did not materialize. Instead, we were pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming support we received from the golf community and the broader sports world. This positive feedback has only reinforced our belief that we made the right decision and that open dialogue is essential to finding the best path forward for women’s sports.
Conclusion
This decision was not without its challenges. However, at NXXT Golf, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fairness and integrity. We welcome ongoing discussions on this topic and encourage other organizations to consider the broader implications of their policies. Together, we can ensure that women’s sports continue to be a space where athletes can compete on a truly level playing field.
For more insight into our policy and why we stand by it, I encourage you to watch my recent interview on Fox & Friends with Will Cain: https://www.foxnews.com/video/6348623290112
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