The LPGA Tour has updated its policy on transgender golfers, announcing that it will no longer allow post-puberty males to compete as women. The new policy, which takes effect immediately, requires transgender golfers to undergo hormone therapy and have their testosterone levels lowered to 12 nanomoles per liter or below for at least 12 months before competing as a woman.
The policy also requires transgender golfers to provide a letter from a medical professional confirming their hormone therapy and testosterone levels, as well as undergo regular testing to ensure compliance.
The LPGA Tour stated that the policy is designed to ensure fair competition and protect the integrity of women’s golf. The tour cited the International Olympic Committee’s policy on transgender athletes, which requires athletes to have their testosterone levels lowered to 12 nanomoles per liter or below for at least 12 months before competing in events that have a biological sex requirement.
The new policy has been met with controversy, with some critics arguing that it is discriminatory and unfair to transgender golfers. Others have praised the policy, saying that it is necessary to ensure fair competition and protect the integrity of women’s golf.
The LPGA Tour’s policy is the latest development in a growing debate over transgender athletes in sports. In recent years, several high-profile cases have made headlines, including the decision by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to ban transgender athletes from competing in certain events.