"The LPGA continues to discriminate against women" - Riley Gaines lauds female golfer for taking a stand against transgender athlete Hailey Davidson

Riley Gaines recently applauded female golfer Lauren Miller for taking a stand against transgender golfer Hailey Davidson as both featured in the LPGA Q-Series - Pre-Qualifying stage. The LPGA Q-Series pre-qualifying tournament (Stage 1), held between August 22-25, saw the top 95 golfers moving to the next stage.

Both Miller and Davidson were competing to qualify for the second stage of the LPGA Q-Series to secure the LPGA Tour card for the 2025 season. Miller couldn’t make the cut at the pre-qualifying tournament, while Davidson prevailed through to the next round by finishing 42nd tied, aggregating a total score of 284.

However, what drew attention was Miller carrying a pink towel and a badge that read "Keep Women’s Golf Female XX." Gaines responded to the gesture by sharing her thoughts on her X (formerly Twitter) account, stating:

“Cool to see fed up female golfers at the tournament letting their voices be heard. The @LPGA continues to discriminate against women.”

Riley Gaines had also posted a tweet earlier, criticizing Hailey Davidson’s participation in the LPGA Q-Series. She said:

“Exclusive footage of male golfer, Hailey Davidson, at @LPGA Qualifying School this week. He is vying for the opportunity to advance to the 2025 LPGA Tour. Looks like the mediocre male will be among the top 95 qualifying female golfers to move on later today.”

It is worth noting that the LPGA permits transgender female athletes to participate, provided they underwent gender reassignment from male to female after puberty. They must present proof of gender identification during the application or entry process.

Davidson will be in action in the LPGA Q-Series Qualifying Tournament, slated from October 15 to October 18 at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice. If she qualifies to the next round, she will then feature in the final qualifying tournament which is scheduled to be held from December 5 to 9 at two golf courses - Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and Magnolia Grove Golf Course in Alabama.

At the end of the final qualifiers, the top 25 finishers (including ties) will earn full LPGA Tour status for 2025, while those finishing 26th to 45th (including ties) will get conditional status.

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Riley Gaines to testify about sharing locker room and competing against Lia Thomas

Riley Gaines testifies during a House Oversight Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services hearing on Capitol Hill December 5, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines is set to testify in Georgia about her experience of having to share the locker room and competing against Lia Thomas during her collegiate days.

Besides Gaines, other NCAA athletes will allegedly provide testimony about their experience of sharing the locker room with Thomas.

Gaines has notably been a vocal advocate against transgender athletes competing in sports designated for biological females, arguing that their inclusion gives them an unfair advantage. She is also known for publicly criticizing transgender athletes on her social media platforms.