It seems LIV Golf may be living on a prayer after reports claim Saudi Arabia&#8217;s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is considering pulling funding from the tour that lured the biggest names away from the PGA just over four years ago.
The Financial Times reported Wednesday that the PIF is &#8220;on the verge&#8221; of slashing financial support for the league, while other outlets suggested LIV could be facing &#8220;imminent closure.&#8221;
The fund has poured millions in LIV Golf to rival the PGA Tour, but <a href="https://www.wsj.com/sports/golf/liv-golf-saudi-funding-e7c19130?mod=Searchresults&amp;pos=2&amp;page=1">The Wall Street Journal</a> reported that financial support could end after the league struggled to attract a significant television audience in the United States.
Amid the dire reports, LIV Golf CEO Scott O&#8217;Neil told players and personnel Wednesday that the league is fully funded through the rest of the year and that reports of its imminent shutdown are &#8220;false,&#8221; according to <a href="https://www.golfchannel.com/news/news/report-saudi-arabia-pif-on-the-verge-of-cutting-financial-support-for-liv-golf">Golf Channel.</a> O&#8217;Neil did not address funding beyond the 2026 season.
&#8220;Our season continues exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle,&#8221; O&#8217;Neil said.
The news comes as 50 players are teeing off for a LIV tournament outside Mexico City.
The potential timeline for any shutdown remains unclear, with The Journal reporting that Saudi officials are still weighing their decision. The outlet noted there is still a chance LIV could continue in some form depending on the outcome of those discussions.
The league&#8217;s undoing would be welcomed by some golf fans who have argued the rival tour has tarnished the game&#8217;s traditional reputation.
Since LIV&#8217;s launch, the league has faced government investigations, lawsuits, and other litigation, contributing to a lack of profitability on the world stage.
LIV lost nearly $600 million in 2024, according to The Journal, despite signing big names, including Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, and Phil Mickelson.
In 2o22, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan addressed the mass exodus of players from his league.
&#8220;The PGA Tour, an American institution, can’t compete with a foreign monarchy that is spending billions of dollars in an attempt to buy the game of golf,&#8221; Monahan said. &#8220;We welcome good, healthy competition. The LIV Saudi Golf League is not that. It’s an irrational threat.&#8221;
The tone shifted a year later when Monahan and Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of Saudi Arabia’s PIF, appeared together to announce a framework agreement aimed at ending litigation and potentially reunifying the sport.
That effort ultimately stalled, leaving both tours operating independently, with the PGA now appearing to stand the test of time.

Credit: Hector Vivas/Getty Images

LIV Golf On The Ropes As Saudis Consider Yanking Funds

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News

Sports

This article is part of <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/introducing-upstream-a-lifestyle-and-culture-section-of-the-daily-wire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Upstream,</a> The Daily Wire’s new home for culture and lifestyle. Real human insight and human stories — from our featured writers to you.
***
The <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/the-masters">Masters</a> Tournament is arguably the best week of the year. Every year in April, the grass looks a little greener, the air feels a little warmer, and baby fever is out of control thanks to the Masters Par 3 Contest.
The Par 3 Contest takes place every year at the beginning of tournament week. It&#8217;s the day where the professional golfers battle in a friendly nine-hole competition with their families as the caddies. No offense to the golfers — by the way, no Par 3 winner has ever gone on to win the Masters — but that competition is all about the kids dressed in their mini Augusta caddy outfits golfing with Dad, and my heart can barely handle the cuteness.
Seeing the pros go full-on &#8220;dad mode&#8221; makes me eager to make those memories one day with my family, not at Augusta obviously (my husband is more of a track guy), but in general! And I&#8217;m not the only one swooning over these adorable scenes. Here are the best moments from this year&#8217;s family-focused event.
Let&#8217;s tee off with none other than returning Par 3 Contest caddy Frankie Fleetwood and his post-round interviews.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
&#8220;I&#8217;d like to thank everyone right now, I don&#8217;t know their names.&#8221; 🥹
Frankie Fleetwood will be back at the Par 3 Contest 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/hSE8Rq2WBz">pic.twitter.com/hSE8Rq2WBz</a>
— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/2041994964800794858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2026</a></blockquote>
At this point, everyone is looking forward to the Par 3 Contest to see what Tommy Fleetwood&#8217;s eight-year-old son, Frankie, has to say. The guy takes his golf game seriously, and the kid has the swing to back it up. Fans chanted his name as he tried to clear Ike’s Pond at Augusta National.
&#8220;This afternoon I&#8217;m feeling good, so I feel like I&#8217;ve got a chance,&#8221; Fleetwood said ahead of hole 9.
And Frankie nearly did clear the pond!
&#8220;I’d like to thank everyone right now,” he said after his round as his father proudly looked on. &#8220;I don’t know their names, but yeah, I’d like to say thanks.&#8221;
Another moment that wowed is Meredith Scheffler showing up for her family just 12 days postpartum.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Hat tip to Meredith Scheffler.
Gave birth 12 days ago. Out walking the Par 3 Contest at Augusta today. <a href="https://t.co/jPoHNrY5ZG">pic.twitter.com/jPoHNrY5ZG</a>
— Jamie Kennedy (@jamierkennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamierkennedy/status/2041926909903122503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2026</a></blockquote>
Scottie Scheffler is a pro&#8217;s pro, but so far this week his wife, Meredith, is the real MVP walking the course with their 12-day-old son, Remy! The newborn couldn&#8217;t miss out on the Par 3 fun with his family, including brother Bennett who turns two next month. Meredith wore the famous caddy outfit alongside her two-time Masters champion husband as they watched Bennett chop away at the ball like I&#8217;ve never seen a toddler do before!
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Scottie and Bennett Scheffler ❤️
Like father, like son 🥹 <a href="https://t.co/P4FaJhKZr0">pic.twitter.com/P4FaJhKZr0</a>
— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/2041939922546721164?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2026</a></blockquote>
The kids&#8217; putting champion of 2026 has to go to Cooper Harman, the daughter of Brian Harman. Cooper nailed an absolute laser of a putt, and her celebration where she runs straight into her dad&#8217;s arms will melt your heart.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Cooper Harman puts her putting skills on display for dad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/themasters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#themasters</a> <a href="https://t.co/itAzwEu9Uo">pic.twitter.com/itAzwEu9Uo</a>
— The Masters (@TheMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMasters/status/2041959463695896874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2026</a></blockquote>
You know you&#8217;re feeling good about the putt when you can happily skip away.
The Masters may be one of the most publicly pro-family sporting events. You see professional golfers when they&#8217;re in the zone, but you rarely see into their personal lives as husbands and dads. The Par 3 Contest showcases not just the love of the game, but also the joys of sharing life&#8217;s moments with the ones you love the most.

Credit: Kieran Cleeves/Augusta National/Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Image

Top Moments From The Masters Par 3 Contest Will Bring On Baby Fever

family

The Masters

Upstream

Prosecutors plan to issue a subpoena later this month to the Palm Beach, Florida, pharmacy used by Tiger Woods as they seek more information on the medications prescribed to the legendary golfer and whether they included any warnings about driving.
Prosecutors in Martin County, Florida, said in a court filing that they will issue a subpoena to Lewis Pharmacy on April 22 as they seek to find out if the drugs included a warning about “operating a motor vehicle while taking the prescription,” The New York Post <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/04/08/sports/florida-prosecutors-subpoena-tiger-woods-for-all-medication-records-in-dui-case/">reported</a>. Two hydrocodone pills were found on Woods when he was arrested after crashing into a truck and trailer in South Florida in late March. He was subsequently charged with DUI and property damage.
The subpoena will seek records on Woods&#8217; medication from January 1 to March 27, the date of the crash. Prosecutors are seeking information on the “date and time prescription was filled, type of prescription, number of pills in each prescription, the dosage amount, and all special instructions,” according to the Post. The golfer&#8217;s defense team has 10 days to object to the subpoena.
A breathalyzer test showed no alcohol in Woods&#8217; system, but a deputy described him as “lethargic and slow,” with “bloodshot and glassy” eyes and “extremely dilated” pupils, according to the arrest affidavit.
“So at this time, I do believe your normal faculties are impaired,” one of the deputies told Woods as she placed handcuffs on him, bodycam footage shows. “And you’re under the unknown substance, so at this time, you’re under arrest for DUI.”
Woods clipped the trailer of a truck as he attempted to pass it, flipping his SUV in a residential area in Jupiter, Florida. The golfing legend told deputies that he was distracted and had looked down at his phone before the crash. Woods also told deputies that he takes &#8220;a few&#8221; prescription medications.
Hydrocodone, which is typically taken to treat severe pain, is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the U.S. government. The drug is considered to be among “some of the most addictive and potentially dangerous prescription medications available.” Hydrocodone is also among the drugs that the Food and Drug Administration <a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/some-medicines-and-driving-dont-mix#:~:text=Some%20medicines%20that%20could%20make%20driving%20dangerous,anxiety%20*%20Sleeping%20pills%20*%20Some%20antidepressants">warns</a> &#8220;could make driving dangerous.&#8221;
Woods has dealt with severe back injuries throughout his career and was involved in a serious single car crash in Los Angeles in 2021. Woods pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge and one count of refusing to submit to a lawful test after he told deputies he would not go along with a urine test.
Woods said last week that he is “stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.”

Tiger Woods

Prosecutors Take A New Approach In Tiger Woods Case

Florida

Officials on the scene had to smash the rear windshield to retrieve one prized possession for golf legend Tiger Woods following his recent rollover crash in Florida: the bag containing his golf clubs.
Bodycam <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/video/6392513281112">footage</a> showed police officers at the scene talking to the golfer&#8217;s manager, Rob McNamara, who stressed that Woods did not want to leave his clubs behind.
One officer at the scene told McNamara, &#8220;I understand,&#8221; and added that the clubs were &#8220;worth more than my house.&#8221;
&#8220;The putter is worth more than all of our houses,&#8221; McNamara said, standing next to the police vehicle where Woods was in the backseat, the door open.
&#8220;Other than the clubs is there anything in there that you absolutely need at the moment?&#8221; the deputy asked.
&#8220;No, just the sticks,&#8221; Woods replied. &#8220;The sticks in the golf bag.&#8221;
He acknowledged that there were other golf clubs in the vehicle, but repeated that the only ones he needed were the ones inside the bag.
The deputy asked him about the putter then, and Woods explained, &#8220;I&#8217;ve won 14 majors with it.&#8221;
&#8220;They don&#8217;t call you the GOAT for nothing, man,&#8221; the deputy laughed.
The golfer&#8217;s Range Rover was turned from its side to an upright position, and upon realizing that the trunk could not be opened, someone from the fire department stepped in and shattered the back windshield. Police were then able to reach into the trunk and pull out the golf bag with the clubs inside — one of which sported a tiger head cover.
After failing several sobriety tests — and refusing a urine test — Woods was <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/body-cam-shows-tiger-woods-undergoing-sobriety-test-after-rollover-crash">charged with DUI</a> with property damage and refusal to submit to a test.
As The Daily Wire previously reported, a judge granted the golfer&#8217;s request to travel outside of the United States after the golfer’s attorney cited his need to get into an “intensive, highly individualized and medically integrated program.” Woods <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/tiger-woods-breaks-silence-after-dui-arrest-pga-tour-also-issues-statement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> on Tuesday that he would be “stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.”

Officials Smashed Back Window To Retrieve Prized Possession For Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods says he will step away “for a period of time” to seek treatment after pleading not guilty in his DUI case tied to a Florida rollover crash, acknowledging the “seriousness” of the situation.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.
“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
The PGA Tour also released a statement following Woods’ announcement: 
“Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course. But above all else, Tiger is a person, and our focus is on his health and well-being. Tiger continues to have our full support as he takes this important step.”
It comes just hours after Woods entered a not guilty plea in his latest DUI case, according to court records. He’s once again turned to prominent Florida defense attorney Douglas Duncan — the same lawyer who represented him after his 2017 arrest.
On Friday afternoon, Woods crashed his Range Rover near his Jupiter Island home while attempting to pass a truck towing a pressure cleaner. The vehicle flipped. He managed to crawl out, but responding officers said he appeared “lethargic” and possibly under the influence of medication or drugs.
He was charged with DUI, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test, and spent roughly eight hours in jail.
“DUI investigators came to the scene here, and Mr. Woods did exemplify signs of impairment. They did several tests on him. Of course, he did explain the injuries and the surgeries that he had. We did take that into account, but they did do some in-depth roadside tests,” Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said.
Deputies said Woods showed signs of impairment at the scene. A breath test later showed no alcohol in his system, shifting attention to whether another substance may have been involved.
“We really weren’t suspicious of alcohol being involved in this case, and that proved to be true at the jail. … But when it came time for us to ask for a urinalysis test, he refused. And, so, he’s been charged with DUI, with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test,” Budensiek added.
President Donald Trump weighed in Tuesday, saying Woods is “doing great” despite suffering “a lot of pain.”
“He tested negative for alcohol, as you know, and he is under a tremendous physical pressure from his various ailments, you know, the back and the leg,” Trump told The New York Post. “He lives a life of pain. He has a lot of pain. He’s an amazing guy. He’s an amazing athlete. He does have pain.”
Trump has previously spoken about his close relationship with the 15-time major champion, who is dating Trump’s former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump. Vanessa is the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. and the mother of the president’s granddaughter, Kai, who committed to the University of Miami to play golf.

TGL Finals presented by SoFi: Match 2 – LA v JUP

Tiger Woods Breaks Silence After DUI Arrest, PGA Tour Also Issues Statement

Kai Trump, the president&#8217;s 17-year-old granddaughter, could be one of the highest paid female athletes ever — and she hasn&#8217;t even started college yet.
According to the sports data site <a href="https://www.on3.com/db/kai-trump-247684/">On3</a>, Kai Trump&#8217;s name, image, and likeness (NIL) is valued at $1.2 million. That valuation places her behind only LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, LSU basketball player Flau’jae Johnson, and UConn basketball standout Paige Bueckers among top-earning female athletes.
NIL is the &#8220;leading index in the industry that determines the projected annual value for high school and college athletes.” Kai Trump also finalized an NIL deal with Dallas-based Leaf Trading Cards last month, which sells autographed cards at $20 a pack.
The high school senior expressed gratitude to her family when she announced her commitment to the University of Miami, writing that she was thankful for “my Grandpa for giving me access to great courses and tremendous support.”
Her social media following plays a significant role in that valuation. Kai Trump has “1.5 million followers on Instagram, 920,000 on X, and 2.9 million on TikTok,” The Independent <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/kai-trump-nil-valuation-golf-miami-b2695637.html">reported</a>. She also has a YouTube channel which, while primarily focused on golf, recently gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the inauguration.
Kai Trump has described how her grandfather regularly checks in on her athletic endeavors, indicating that golfing conversations are frequent in their family.
Speaking at the Republican National Convention, she noted that the president, “calls me during the middle of the school day to ask how my golf game is going and tells me all about his. But then I have to remind him that I’m in school, and I’ll have to call him back later.&#8221;

US-POLITICS-GOLF-LIV-TRUMP

Kai Trump’s $1.2 Million NIL Valuation Puts Her Among Top Female Athletes

Donald Trump

Donald Trump Jr.

Golf legend Phil Mickelson on Friday praised 26-year-old former U.S. Marine <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/daniel-penny" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daniel Penny</a>, who&#8217;s currently being tried in New York City for the death of Jordan Neely.
Penny restrained Neely on the NYC subway last year, after Neely, <a href="https://nypost.com/2023/05/04/jordan-neely-had-history-of-mental-health-issues-before-subway-death/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a troubled man</a> with a lengthy criminal record and a history of mental health issues, allegedly threatened passengers.
Responding to a post that called Penny a &#8220;hero,&#8221; Mickelson wrote on X, &#8220;Agree. Thank you Daniel for serving your country and for protecting the many passengers whose lives were threatened by this violent and deranged individual.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Agree. Thank you Daniel for serving your country and for protecting the many passengers whose lives were threatened by this violent and deranged individual. <a href="https://t.co/tUI5pe7pFV">https://t.co/tUI5pe7pFV</a>
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilMickelson/status/1865120282207490132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
&#8220;Daniel Penny is a model citizen who should be praised by the city of New York,&#8221; the post Mickelson responded to said. &#8220;He is a breed of young men who are becoming less and less common.&#8221;
Collin Rugg, who authored the post, said Penny &#8220;put his own safety at risk to help others.&#8221;
&#8220;He didn&#8217;t cower or pull out his phone to film when Jordan Neely started threatening to k*ll people,&#8221; Rugg wrote. &#8220;Instead, he took it upon himself to protect subway passengers.&#8221;
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&#8220;He was praised by the passengers on the train but was ridiculed by the city of New York,&#8221; the post continued. &#8220;He is the citizen that every mayor of every city should want more of. He is the person you hope is around if your loved ones&#8217; lives are being threatened.&#8221;
&#8220;Anyone who is quiet about this injustice lacks moral clarity and should take a long look in the mirror,&#8221; Rugg closed the post. &#8220;Daniel Penny is a hero.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Daniel Penny is a model citizen who should be praised by the city of New York.
He is a breed of young men who are becoming less and less common.
He puts his own safety at risk to help others.
He didn&#8217;t cower or pull out his phone to film when Jordan Neely started threatening… <a href="https://t.co/sSl74Mji0W">pic.twitter.com/sSl74Mji0W</a>
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) <a href="https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/1865103248450818302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
Penny was controversially charged by liberal District Attorney Alvin Bragg with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in Neely’s death. During jury deliberations on Friday, however, the second-degree manslaughter charge was dismissed by the judge at the state&#8217;s request.
If convicted on the remaining count, Penny could serve up to four years behind bars.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/heres-why-the-state-dropped-top-charge-in-daniel-penny-case-and-why-defense-is-calling-foul" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Here’s Why The State Dropped Top Charge In Daniel Penny Case, And Why Defense Is Calling Foul</a>

The American Express – Round Three

Golf Legend Phil Mickelson Praises ‘Hero’ Daniel Penny

Courts

Daniel Penny

Phil Mickelson

U.S.

Female athletes are among those who reacted to the news that the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour has announced a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/lpga-announces-major-change-to-transgender-rule" target="_blank" rel="noopener">major change</a> to its eligibility rules when it comes to transgender-identifying male players.
Former collegiate female swimmer and outspoken advocate for women’s sports Riley Gaines wrote on <a href="https://x.com/Riley_Gaines_/status/1864341619874414659">X</a> on Wednesday that “The &#8216;L&#8217; in LPGA means something again!” after the <a href="https://www.lpga.com/news/2024/lpga-updates-gender-policy-for-competition-eligibility">LPGA</a> “updated their gender eligibility requirements to ban men from women&#8217;s golf.&#8221; Her post included that the group found &#8220;the effects of male puberty confer competitive advantages in golf performance compared to players who have not undergone male puberty.&#8221;
The legislative strategist for the women’s group, Concerned Women for America, Macy Petty, <a href="https://x.com/macypetty0416/status/1864343251420946854">wrote</a>, “BREAKING: LPGA changes their gender policy, &#8216;Players assigned male at birth and who have gone through male puberty are not eligible to compete in the [women’s] events.&#8217; HUGE step in keeping women’s sports for women.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
BREAKING: LPGA has updated their gender eligibility requirements to ban men from women&#8217;s golf.
&#8220;The effects of male puberty confer competitive advantages in golf performance compared to players who have not undergone male puberty.&#8221;
The &#8220;L&#8221; in LPGA means something again!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 <a href="https://t.co/aiYXzcQrZp">pic.twitter.com/aiYXzcQrZp</a>
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Riley_Gaines_/status/1864341619874414659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
Veteran female golfer, <a href="https://www.iwf.org/2024/12/04/lpga-usga-responds-female-pro-golfers-calls-to-restrict-men-in-womens-golf/">Amy Olsen</a>, called the ruling “a positive step forward&#8221; that the LPGA recognized &#8220;that an individual’s chromosomes affect their physical development in ways that are irreversible.”
Starting in 2025, “under the new policy, athletes who are assigned female at birth are eligible to compete on the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour, and in all other elite LPGA competitions,” the statement read, noting that &#8220;players assigned male at birth and who have gone through male puberty are not eligible&#8230;&#8221;
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&#8220;Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan said. “The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.”
The move comes after transgender-identifying male golfer <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/womens-golf-league-bans-men-from-competition-after-trans-identifying-player-won-tournament">Hailey Davidson</a> had competed on the <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/sports/transgender-golfer-hailey-davidson-responds-getting-banned-womens-pro-tour">NXXT Tour</a> before the group changed its rules and he was removed, <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/sports/lpga-tours-gender-eligibility-policy-change-draws-fiery-reaction-from-transgender-golfer">Fox News</a> noted.
The move on Wednesday now cuts off Davidson’s possible path to the tour or Epson Tours after competing in Q School in the fall as the player inched closer to qualifying for an LPGA Tour card.
Davidson, who formerly <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trans-golfer-who-played-on-mens-college-team-snags-womens-title-eyes-lpga">played</a> on a men’s collegiate golf team, took to Instagram and slammed the gender eligibility rule change, as previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/lpga-announces-major-change-to-transgender-rule" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/lpga-announces-major-change-to-transgender-rule" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LPGA Announces Major Change To Transgender Rule</a>

MWP-220121 FULL

‘L Means Something Again’: Female Athletes React To LPGA Change To Transgender Player Rules

'L Means Something Again': Female Athletes React To LPGA Change To Transgender Player Rules

LPGA

Riley Gaines

Social Issues

Transgender Athletes

Women's sports

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour has announced a major change to its eligibility rules for competition for transgender-identifying male players starting in 2025.
On Wednesday, the <a href="https://www.lpga.com/news/2024/lpga-updates-gender-policy-for-competition-eligibility">LPGA</a> released findings from its working group-which included experts “in medicine, science, sport physiology, golf performance and gender policy law” that found “the effects of male puberty confer competitive advantages in golf performance compared to players who have not undergone male puberty.”
“Under the new policy, athletes who are assigned female at birth are eligible to compete on the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour, and in all other elite LPGA competitions,&#8221; the statement read. 
“Players assigned male at birth and who have gone through male puberty are not eligible to compete in the aforementioned events,” it added. “The policies governing the LPGA’s recreational programs and non-elite events utilize different criteria to provide opportunities for participation in the broader LPGA community.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
LPGA updates gender policy for competition eligibility.
FULL PRESS RELEASE ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/VSItOx2FDY">https://t.co/VSItOx2FDY</a>
— LPGA (@LPGA) <a href="https://twitter.com/LPGA/status/1864338959276626380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
“Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan said. “The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.”
The move comes after transgender-identifying male golfer <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/womens-golf-league-bans-men-from-competition-after-trans-identifying-player-won-tournament">Hailey Davidson</a> had competed on the <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/sports/transgender-golfer-hailey-davidson-responds-getting-banned-womens-pro-tour">NXXT Tour</a> before the group changed its rules and was removed, <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/sports/lpga-tours-gender-eligibility-policy-change-draws-fiery-reaction-from-transgender-golfer">Fox News</a> noted.
The move on Wednesday now cuts off Davidson’s possible path to the tour or Epson Tours after competing in Q School in the fall as the player inched closer to qualifying for an LPGA Tour card.
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Davidson, who formerly <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trans-golfer-who-played-on-mens-college-team-snags-womens-title-eyes-lpga">played</a> on a men’s collegiate golf team, took to Instagram after the gender eligibility rule change was announced.
&#8220;Can’t say I didn’t see this coming. Banned from the Epson and LPGA,&#8221; Davidson wrote in a post on social media. &#8220;All the silence and people wanting to stay ‘neutral’ thanks for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.&#8221;
&#8220;And somehow people are surprised the suicide rate for transgender people is around 50%,” Davidson added. “Situations just like this are part of the reason.&#8221;
As previously highlighted by <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/female-golfer-blasts-trans-golfer-who-is-now-one-step-closer-to-competing-in-lpga-tour">The Daily Wire</a>, female golfer Amy Olson, who retired in April, has spoken out about how “unfair&#8221; it was for Davidson to play against women.
“These women have worked too hard and too long to have to stand by and watch a man compete for and take their spot,” she wrote on X. “The only fair path forward is a policy based on sex, not gender.” 
Notably, Davidson has taken aim at female athletes who criticize him. In a post published on Instagram earlier this year, he <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/08/26/sports/transgender-golfer-moves-closer-to-lpga-spot-as-outrage-grows-unfair/">wrote</a>, “I will never understand athletes who blame a transgender competitor on their own athletic failures. If you don’t take accountability for your failures then you will never actually be good enough to make it.”
Amanda Prestigiacomo contributed to this piece.
Related:<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trans-golfer-lashes-out-at-conservative-media-complains-about-massive-lie" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Trans Golfer Lashes Out At ‘Conservative Media,’ Complains About ‘Massive Lie’</a>

Hailey Davidson

LPGA Announces Major Change To Transgender Rule

Transgender

Women

Photos emerged on Sunday of the moment law enforcement officials in Florida took a man into custody after he was allegedly preparing to assassinate former President Donald Trump.
Authorities arrested 58-year-old Ryan Routh — <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/alleged-would-be-assassin-was-democrat-donor-with-criminal-record?topStoryPosition=4">a Democrat donor with a criminal history</a> — after Secret Service noticed his AK-47-style rifle as he hid in shrubbery only a few hundred yards away from Trump at Trump International Golf Course West Palm Beach. When he was engaged by federal law enforcement officials, he ran and got into a car and drove off. Fortunately, a witness captured a photo of the car and the license plate, allowing police to quickly locate and arrest him.
The Martin County Sheriff&#8217;s Office released photographs showing where they caught Routh traveling northbound on I-95 in a black Nissan SUV.
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&#8220;Northbound I-95 at 714 is shut down,&#8221; the sheriff&#8217;s office said in a statement. &#8220;Based on BOLO information released by Palm Beach County, the Martin County Sheriff&#8217;s Office has stopped a vehicle and taken a suspect into custody believed to be connected to a shooting incident at Trump International in Palm Beach County.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🚨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: New photo shows the suspect’s car being stopped by law enforcement, with a person in custody after a shooting incident at Trump’s Florida golf club. The suspect was arrested on I-95 in Martin County, Florida, according to the sheriff’s office <a href="https://t.co/dGT8IkDIke">pic.twitter.com/dGT8IkDIke</a>
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/rawsalerts/status/1835411607179927636?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
The FBI said it was investigating “what appears to be an attempted assassination of” the former president, at least the second time someone has tried to kill him. Trump was shot in the head in July during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, and Secret Service was criticized for failing to provide adequate protection.
Another photo surfaced appearing to show Routh in a police car after being taken into custody. The man in the photo appears to be the same individual identified earlier in the day as the suspect that law enforcement sought to locate.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
BREAKING: The suspect arrested in the alleged assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump is Ryan Wesley Routh.
Here is a picture after arrest. <a href="https://t.co/opSBrTfnTG">pic.twitter.com/opSBrTfnTG</a>
— unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) <a href="https://twitter.com/unusual_whales/status/1835525033793319195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Pic of the man in custody after the attempt on Donald Trump in West Palm Beach. This man is 58 years old. I don’t have a name yet. <a href="https://t.co/vOOVjV6H2g">pic.twitter.com/vOOVjV6H2g</a>
— Karol Markowicz (@karol) <a href="https://twitter.com/karol/status/1835422405432365436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2024</a></blockquote>

Ryan Routh

Photos Emerge Of Moment Police Captured Would-Be Trump Assassin

assassination attempt

Crime

Politics

Trans-identifying golfer <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/womens-golf-league-bans-men-from-competition-after-trans-identifying-player-won-tournament" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hailey Davidson</a> complained about a &#8220;massive lie&#8221; and lashed out at &#8220;conservative media&#8221; this week after some outlets covered Davidson&#8217;s advancement toward participation in the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour.
Davidson, who is male and formerly <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trans-golfer-who-played-on-mens-college-team-snags-womens-title-eyes-lpga" target="_blank" rel="noopener">played</a> golf on a men’s college team, took to Instagram to suggest his participation in female golf is fair and acceptable since he wasn&#8217;t the best golfer at Qualifying School.
&#8220;Every year I have played at Q School, the players have gotten longer and longer to where I was being outdriven by 40 yards consistently in the final round yesterday by one player,&#8221; Davidson posted online, Fox News <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/sports/transgender-golfer-hailey-davidson-fires-back-massive-lie-hopes-earning-lpga-tour-card-increase">noted</a>. &#8220;Honestly I love seeing it though, especially since there is this massive lie out there that I am outdriving everyone, which is just so very far from the truth and reality.&#8221;
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Davidson also took a swing at &#8220;conservative media,&#8221; suggesting the outlets harbored anti-women views for reporting on females expressing outrage at his participation in female golf.
&#8220;Clearly conservative media needs to give these amazing female athletes WAY more credit rather than belittle them and their capabilities all in an attempt to attack transgender athletes,&#8221; he posted.
As Davidson inches closer to qualifying for the LPGA, some female athletes are calling foul. As highlighted by <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/female-golfer-blasts-trans-golfer-who-is-now-one-step-closer-to-competing-in-lpga-tour">The Daily Wire</a>, female golfer Amy Olson, who retired in April, said it was &#8220;unfair.&#8221;
“These women have worked too hard and too long to have to stand by and watch a man compete for and take their spot,&#8221; she wrote on X. “The only fair path forward is a policy based on sex, not gender.&#8221; 
“Looks like the mediocre male will be among the top 95 qualifying female golfers to move on later today,&#8221; former swimming champ and female advocate Riley Gaines commented.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Unfair. These women have worked too hard and too long to have to stand by and watch a man compete for and take their spot.
The only fair path forward is a policy based on sex, not gender. <a href="https://t.co/xku7eay2zW">https://t.co/xku7eay2zW</a>
— Amy Olson (@AmyOlsonGolf) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmyOlsonGolf/status/1827858033214427162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Notably, Davidson has taken aim at female athletes who criticize him. In a post published on Instagram earlier this year, he <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/08/26/sports/transgender-golfer-moves-closer-to-lpga-spot-as-outrage-grows-unfair/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a>, &#8220;I will never understand athletes who blame a transgender competitor on their own athletic failures. If you don’t take accountability for your failures then you will never actually be good enough to make it.”
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/female-golfer-blasts-trans-golfer-who-is-now-one-step-closer-to-competing-in-lpga-tour" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Female Golfer Blasts Trans Golfer Who Is Now One Step Closer To Competing In LPGA Tour</a>

Trans Golfer Lashes Out At ‘Conservative Media,’ Complains About ‘Massive Lie’

transgender athlete

Women Sports

A trans-identifying golfer has moved on to the next round of Qualifying School, inching closer to participation in the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/womens-golf-league-bans-men-from-competition-after-trans-identifying-player-won-tournament" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hailey Davidson</a>, who formerly <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trans-golfer-who-played-on-mens-college-team-snags-womens-title-eyes-lpga" target="_blank" rel="noopener">played</a> golf on a men’s college team, is getting called out by female golfer Amy Olson.
&#8220;Unfair,&#8221; Olson posted to X over the weekend. &#8220;These women have worked too hard and too long to have to stand by and watch a man compete for and take their spot.&#8221;
&#8220;The only fair path forward is a policy based on sex, not gender,&#8221; Olson added. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Unfair. These women have worked too hard and too long to have to stand by and watch a man compete for and take their spot.
The only fair path forward is a policy based on sex, not gender. <a href="https://t.co/xku7eay2zW">https://t.co/xku7eay2zW</a>
— Amy Olson (@AmyOlsonGolf) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmyOlsonGolf/status/1827858033214427162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
Olson, who retired from professional golf in April, was commenting on video footage posted by female sports advocate Riley Gaines. The video, which has been viewed more than 3 million times, shows Davidson playing at Q School.
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&#8220;Exclusive footage of male golfer, Hailey Davidson, at [LPGA] Qualifying School this week,&#8221; Gaines commented. &#8220;He is vying for the opportunity to advance to the 2025 LPGA Tour.&#8221;
&#8220;Looks like the mediocre male will be among the top 95 qualifying female golfers to move on later today,&#8221; the former swimming champ blasted.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Exclusive footage of male golfer, Hailey Davidson, at <a href="https://twitter.com/LPGA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LPGA</a> 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. <a href="https://t.co/tSc0jr0YMu">pic.twitter.com/tSc0jr0YMu</a>
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Riley_Gaines_/status/1827778087515463938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
Davidson has two more golf events, one in October and one in December, to officially qualify for the LPGA.
The athlete has notably made disparaging remarks about female athletes who are concerned about fairness, noting the biological differences between males and females.
For example, Davidson once <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/08/26/sports/transgender-golfer-moves-closer-to-lpga-spot-as-outrage-grows-unfair/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a> on Instagram, &#8220;I will never understand athletes who blame a transgender competitor on their own athletic failures. If you don’t take accountability for your failures then you will never actually be good enough to make it.”
<a href="http://www.amiracist.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.amiracist.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1724211156439000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2xQ8bdTcpfdrPBAzczIuck">WATCH THE TRAILER FOR ‘AM I RACIST?’ — A MATT WALSH COMEDY ON DEI</a>
Earlier this year, Davidson won the NXXT Women’s Classic in Florida, as reported by <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/womens-golf-league-bans-men-from-competition-after-trans-identifying-player-won-tournament" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Wire</a>. Months later, NXXT Golf announced it would change its rules to disqualify males like Davidson.
“Effective immediately, competitors must be a biological female at birth to participate,” NXXT said in a <a href="https://www.nxxtwomensprotour.com/post/nxxt-women-s-pro-tour-updates-eligibility-policy-to-protect-competitive-integrity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a>. “This decision underscores the organization’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of women’s professional golf and ensuring fair competition.”
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trans-identifying-golfer-admits-men-do-have-advantages-but-maintains-hes-competing-fairly-after-winning-womens-tournament" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trans-Identifying Golfer Admits ‘Men Do Have Advantages,’ But Maintains He’s Competing Fairly After Winning Women’s Tournament</a>

Amy Olsen, Hailey Davidson

Female Golfer Blasts Trans Golfer Who Is Now One Step Closer To Competing In LPGA Tour 

Trans Golfer, Who Formerly Played With Males, Hailey Davidson, Inches Closer To LPGA; Female Golfer, Amy Olsen, Calls Foul 

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