Transgender golf star Hailey Davidson is set to undergo testosterone testing after claiming the NXXT Women’s Classic last week and has now spoken out on her position within the sport
Golf star Hailey Davidson insists that being transgender no longer gives her an “unfair advantage” after being asked to undergo testosterone testing.
Davidson, 30, launched herself into the headlines last week after winning the NXXT Women’s Classic in Orlando, Florida. The victory has bolstered her chances of claiming a spot on the LPGA Tour Card and competing at the Scottish Open.
There has been some criticism of Davidson playing within the ladies game, while she has also received death threats following her success. She was born male but underwent gender reassignment and hormone therapy.
Davidson acknowledges that she may have had an advantage in her early career, but she doesn’t think it exists now. She acknowledged that she had an unfair advantage a few years ago in an interview with Sky News.
I’ve spent the last nine years transitioning. I had surgery almost exactly three years ago, and I’ve been on hormones for almost nine years. I can no longer swing at just over fifty miles per hour.
“A lot of people online or whatever seem to fit me into this tray and stereotype of oh I can hit it 300 yards or 280 yards. I wish I hit it that far because at least the anger would be justified. I only hit it like 250 yards!
“As soon as they start hearing that info, their mind starts to switch and they think of some magical advantage that I have since the distance thing doesn’t actually pan out with me.”
Meanwhile, she has also suggested that the “hatred” that she receives is only in response to success, while criticism swiftly goes quiet when she is not on top form. Since Davidson’s triumph NXXT Golf CEO Stuart McKinnon has revealed that Davidson will undergo additional testosterone testing to ensure compliance with the competition’s regulations.
She has argued that regulations would only be advantageous, but she opposes outright prohibiting transgender competitors. She went on, “My perspective is that trans athletes shouldn’t be prohibited, but regulations should be in place because that’s what’s going to cause all these issues that people are making up or thinking may happen. It shouldn’t just be a free for all.”
“I believe that rather than shouting at one another and inciting hatred, society should just sit down and listen to each other when there are so many different topics to discuss.” I believe we sometimes forget that individuals are also members of the human race.”