- Hailey Davidson won the NXXT Women’s Classic in Orlando, Florida this week
- She revealed that she had received death threats after her impressive victory
- Davidson recognised the need for regulations in golf to prevent a ‘free for all’
Transgender golfer Hailey Davidson will be required to undergo further testosterone testing by NXXT Golf after winning the Women’s Classic in Orlando, Florida earlier this week.
Davidson, who was born in Scotland but now lives in Florida, lifted the trophy after finishing more than 100 points ahead of her closest rival, Maria Bohorquez, at Mission Inn Resort and Club.
While there was a healthy margin between Davidson and cisgender female Bohorquez, the later was also a full 394 points clear of third.
Her success sparked outrage from certain golf fans, who suggested that since Davidson was born male, she may have some advantage over her competitors.
Although Davidson herself insisted that she no longer has any physiological advantages after almost a decade taking hormones, the NXXT have declared that they will be requesting her to undergo ‘additional testing’.
Hailey Davidson will be required to undergo ‘additional testosterone testing’ after success in Florida
Davidson won the NXXT Women’s Classic in Orlando, Florida after finishing 100 points clear of second-place
‘Recognising the spectrum of views on this issue, we wish to highlight that our decisions are guided by what is best for our players, setting aside personal beliefs,’ said CEO Stuart McKinnon.
‘Part of our commitment is ensuring an environment that is inclusive and safe for all members. In light of recent events, we have initiated a poll among our tour players to gather their opinions on our gender policy. We believe it is vital to consider the perspectives of those directly affected by these policies.
‘Furthermore, in maintaining the integrity of our standards, we have requested Hailey Davidson to undergo additional testosterone testing to ensure compliance with the appropriate guidelines.
‘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.’
Davidson openly admitted she was accepting of regulations, given that they promote fairness for all.
However, in an interview with Sky, she was quick to point out that she no longer has any physiological advantage over her cisgender rivals.
‘I win and people freak out. I play well and the whole world ends and “Oh, I’m destroying women’s golf now!” and all this other stuff.
‘I recognise that I did have an unfair advantage a few years ago. I’ve been transitioning now for nine years, I’ve been on hormones for almost nine years. I had surgery coming up on three years exactly. I’ve lost almost 50mph on swing speed.’
She added: ‘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.
‘I think with so many topics, we as a society just need to sit down and listen to each other rather than scream at each other and put hatred on it.
The Scottish-born player revealed that she had lost ‘almost 50 mph’ on her swing speed
She claimed that while she might have held a physiological advantage in the past, that is no longer the case
‘I think we forget that people are actually humans at the same time.’
She also revealed that her success at Mission Inn had sparked death threats online, but thanked those of her fans that made her ‘feel loved’.
Davidson touted her victory on X, writing: ‘I was finally able to get my 4th professional win after two playoff holes… Also moved me into 1st place in the season rankings for two Epson Tour exemptions!
‘Most importantly though, thank you to absolutely everyone who has supported me from my fellow competitors to all of you that I may or may not have had the chance to meet yet. Thank you all for helping me wade through any hate and making me feel loved.’