HomeGolfColumn: Title IX changes and Trans trends could collide with Augusta National

Column: Title IX changes and Trans trends could collide with Augusta National

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The controversy surrounding transgender athletes will eventually collide with the Augusta National at some point in the future.

Being transgender was considered a mental disorder until 2012 when the American Psychiatric Association revised its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders changing it to “gender dysphoria.” However, gender identity has moved toward normalization in the ensuing decade, and it is something that has to be considered on many levels now.



Chances are rare that a biological female who identifies as a man would be able to compete at the level required to qualify for the Masters. It would be much more feasible that a biological male who identifies as a women might seek to qualify for the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. It is unclear how the Augusta National would handle the controversy, but it is clear that they reserve the right to invite or disinvite any player they choose.

The Biden administration’s proposed rule change to Title IX on Thursday increases the prospects of transgender athletes being welcomed in sports programs that receive government funding.

To qualify for the Masters, there are multiple pathways at the collegiate level through which a transgender female could qualify. One change to the 2024 Masters Tournament Qualifications includes the addition of the current NCAA Division I Men’s Individual Champion.

According to a 2022 Golf Digest article Title IX has particularly helped women’s golf grow over the last few decades. NCAA collegiate Golf falls under the Title IX umbrella.



Hailey Davidson, who is biologically male but identifies as female, competed and won a professional title in 2021 but lost two attempts to join the LPGA. Davidson formally competed in men’s college golf.

Transgender players are not new to golf. In fact Mianne Bagger became the first openly transgender woman to play professional golf in 2004. 

On April 2, 2023 Breanna Gill, another transgender woman, won her first professional victory at the Australia Women’s Classic. The win, though, was marred with controversy after she received multiple death threats following the event.

Neither the PGA Tour or LIV Golf responded to requests for comments on their policy surrounding transgender athletes

The LIV tournament which is backed by the Saudi Monarchy. According to the Human Dignity Trust Saudi Arabia criminalizes the expression of trans people. The likelihood of transgender golfers participating in LIV events is low because of beliefs and customs in Saudi Arabia. Rule changes like the one proposed today my not give the National and other PGA tournaments much choice.


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7 COMMENTS

  1. “The Biden administration’s proposed rule change to Title IX on Thursday increases the prospects of transgender athletes being welcomed in sports programs that receive government funding.” So, I guess Biden’s new Title 9 plan is going to clash with Georgia’s ban on male-to-female athletes. Someone, please explain!

  2. First the feds pass Title IX to bring parity in funding and support to women’s sports. Then they eviscerate it by allowing transgender women to compete against biological women. Now they are ramming it down everyone’s throats. I’m not hearing the outrage from NOW and other feminists groups. Oh, I forgot, biological women who dare speak out are now being cancelled by woke corporations, institutions, universities, and the media.. Plus, biological women are being physically attacked when they speak in opposition to this cultural disaster.

  3. I agree that all women need to stand up. Also, if I remember right from Civics in eighth grade, the state has the right to have a stricter law than the federal government, so that our law should prevail against the Biden nonsense.

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