Transgender Woman Sues USGA, LPGA Over U.S. Women’s Open Ban
Hackensack, N.J., March 20, 2026 — Hailey Davidson, 33, filed a lawsuit Thursday in New Jersey. She named the Hackensack Golf Club, the USGA, the LPGA and three LPGA officials. She is seeking unspecified damages.
Overview of the complaint
Davidson alleges a policy change adopted in 2024 unlawfully barred her from a U.S. Women’s Open qualifier in 2025. The suit argues the change prevented her entry despite prior participation under earlier rules. The court filing centers on a transgender woman who sues the USGA and LPGA over what she describes as a de facto ban on participation in the U.S. Women’s Open.
Policy changes and timeline
The USGA and LPGA revised gender eligibility for events taking effect in 2025 and beyond. Under the new rules, players must be assigned female at birth or must have transitioned before male puberty. Davidson did not transition until after puberty.
Her transition and prior competition
She began hormone treatments in her early 20s in 2015. She underwent gender-affirming surgery in 2021, a step required under the LPGA’s prior policy. In 2024, she competed in a U.S. Open qualifier and in LPGA Qualifying School. She did not advance in either event.
Allegations in the lawsuit
Davidson contends the revised policy effectively bans many transgender women from elite women’s golf. She says state rules that bar puberty blockers or hormones for minors make compliance impossible for many. The complaint states the policy therefore excludes those who transition after puberty.
She also claims the Hackensack Golf Club violated the law when it denied her entry. Davidson alleges the club told her the USGA controlled all eligibility decisions.
Responses from the LPGA
The LPGA said it was aware of the lawsuit and would let the legal process play out. The organization said its gender policy was developed through a thoughtful, expert-informed process. The LPGA added the policy seeks to protect the competitive integrity of elite women’s golf.
Recent competitive history
Davidson won on a Florida mini-tour two years ago. That circuit later adopted a rule requiring players to be assigned female at birth. Her complaint notes that change as part of a broader trend restricting eligibility.
Parties named in the suit
- Hailey Davidson, plaintiff
- Hackensack Golf Club, host of the qualifier
- United States Golf Association (USGA)
- Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA)
- Three LPGA officials
Filmogaz.com will monitor developments as the case moves forward in New Jersey courts. The lawsuit marks a new legal challenge to recent eligibility rules in women’s golf.
