Riley Gaines to LPGA updating their gender policies [Image for Representational Purposes] [Image Source : Getty]

Riley Gaines recently reacted to the Ladies Professional Golf Association. The apex body for women’s golf has recently updated its gender policy for the upcoming year of 2025.

Following backlash over their previous policies related to trans athletes participating in women’s golf, the LPGA decided to change their policies. Gaines reacted to the same by posting on her X handle [formerly Twitter],

“This comes after many current and former LPGA players have spoke to the harm caused by male golfer Hailey Davidson competing with women. Good move by @LPGA.”

According to the proposed changes, the LPGA has barred biological males [who have undergone male puberty] from participating in the women’s events. Gaines further posted on her X handle,

“BREAKING: LPGA has updated their gender eligibility requirements to ban men from women’s golf.

‘The effects of male puberty confer competitive advantages in golf performance compared to players who have not undergone male puberty.’

The “L” in LPGA means something again!”

Riley Gaines has been campaigning for the exclusion of trans athletes from women’s sports since 2022. She had first come into the limelight for protesting against the bias shown to transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, who was jointly placed fifth with Gaines at the 2022 NCAA Championships. The World Aquatics announced in June 2022 that trans athletes would no longer be able to participate in elite women’s events.

Riley Gaines on 200 women golfers protesting against LPGA’s gender policy

Riley Gaines previously supported more than 200 women golfers, who protested the LPGA policies in context with the participation of trans athletes. In a conversation with Fox News held in October 2024, Gaines spoke at length about the controversial stance of LPGA, and why she did not agree with the same.

“Let’s reiterate what the LPGA stands for. The Ladies Professional Golf Association, and it really is remarkable how little regard they have for the L in their name,” she said.

Gaines also appreciated the women golfers and said, 

“Girls are finally pushing back. A movement is now in motion”

The 24-year-old NCAA swimmer-turned-social activist had also campaigned against the inclusion of Blaire Fleming, who is reportedly a transgender and represented the women’s volleyball team of San Jose State University.

Gaines had also called out the university authorities for not addressing the concerns raised by vice-captain Brooke Slusser and former assistant coach Melissa-Batie Smoose, who disapproved of the presence of Fleming in the team.