Women's Pro Tour to survey members on gender policy after Hailey Davidson win in Florida

Hailey Davidson celebrates winning the NXXT Women's Classic in Orlando, Florida

The NXXT Women's Pro Tour has launched a survey of its members after Scotland's Hailey Davidson became the first transgender golfer to win a professional tournament.

The tour say it is "vital to consider the perspectives of those directly affected by these policies", with the survey asking opinions on gender policy.

Davidson will also undergo additional testosterone testing to ensure compliance with current guidelines.

The Women's Pro Tour say its guidelines have been formulated in alignment with those of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and United States Golf Association (USGA).

The guidelines state players should have declared their gender as female, have undergone gender reassignment surgery and must have undergone hormonal therapy and maintained testosterone levels appropriate for the assigned sex.

The tour says that when Davidson joined she complied with its policies but that her participation and success in Florida has "highlighted a range of viewpoints" and that "our decisions are guided by what is best for our players, setting aside personal beliefs".

A statement continued: "We understand that this topic evokes strong feelings and diverse viewpoints. We encourage constructive dialogue and respect for all athletes who strive to compete at the highest levels of their sport.

"We appreciate the passion and commitment of our golfing community and remain dedicated to providing a platform that upholds the integrity of women's professional golf.

"We want to assure the public and all stakeholders that we are dedicated to transparency and thoroughness in addressing this matter."

Speaking to Sky News, Ayrshire-born Davidson said: "I recognise that I did have an unfair advantage a few years ago. I've been transitioning for nine years. I've been on hormones for almost nine years, I had surgery coming up almost on three years. I've lost just over 50 miles an hour swing speed.

"Trans athletes shouldn't be banned, but at the same time, there needs to be regulations in place because it shouldn't just be a free for all."

What is the policy in other sports?

In June 2022, swimming's world governing body Fina voted to stop transgender athletes from competing in women's elite races if they had gone through any part of the process of male puberty.

Former Great Britain swimmer Sharron Davies, who has argued against transgender participation in women's elite swimming, told BBC Sport she was "really proud of Fina".

However, Olympic diving champion Tom Daley said he was "furious" at the decision.

In July 2022, the Rugby Football League and Rugby Football Union banned transgender women from competing in female-only forms of their games.

And in July 2023, world cycling's governing body, the UCI, ruled transgender women would be prevented from competing in female events.

In November 2023, the International Cricket Council barred transgender women from playing in international women's matches.

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