The NXXT Women’s Pro Tour has responded to the controversy surrounding transgender player Hailey Davidson, who won a recent event and tops the tour’s points list.
Stuart McKinnon, CEO of the NXXT, formerly the East Coast Women’s Pro Golf Tour, came out with a statement on Monday addressing Davidson’s participation. The tour has initiated an anonymous poll among its players to gather their opinions on the NXXT’s gender policy.
“At this point, we’re trying anything to see if we can cool the fire down a little,” said Davidson, who added that “generally a lot of the hate comes from people who aren’t playing.”
McKinnon’s memo said the tour also requested that Davidson undergo additional testosterone testing to ensure compliance.
“The recent discussions surrounding Hailey Davidson’s participation and success on our tour have highlighted a range of viewpoints,” McKinnon wrote. “The NXXT Women’s Pro Tour acknowledges these perspectives while emphasizing that our policies and decisions are guided by the frameworks set by the LPGA and USGA. Our primary focus remains on supporting our players’ aspirations and contributing to their journey towards the LPGA.”
Davidson earned a scholarship to play on the men’s team at Wilmington University, an NCAA Division II school in Delaware, before transferring to the men’s team at Christopher Newport, an NCAA Division III school in Virginia.
On Sept. 24, 2015 – a date that’s tattooed on her right forearm – Davidson began undergoing hormone treatments, and in January 2021 underwent gender reassignment surgery, a six-hour procedure that’s required under the LPGA’s Gender Policy.
Davidson, who works in social media for NBC/Peacock, said she has deleted her Twitter app after claiming the top prize at the NXXT Women’s Classic on Jan. 17 at Mission Inn Resort and Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida. She estimates that she’s received between five and 10 death threats in recent days, though she tries not to read as much.
“It comes with the territory, I suppose,” she said. “Someone who is at home really frustrated with themselves trying to take it out on me. If I don’t laugh, I’m going to be miserable.”
