The changing face, age and gender of the LPGA

The LPGA could have some new faces being seen more often beginning this upcoming season in light of recent events.
LPGA players have voted to allow transgender players to compete on tour in response to a lawsuit filed by a California woman who had her sex changed five years ago.
The players voted to remove the “female at birth” requirement from the tour's constitution at a year-end meeting at the LPGA Tour Championship, commissioner Michael Whan said. He said steps will be taken in the coming weeks to make the change.
In addition, the Golf Channel reported that 15-year-old phenom Alexis Thompson has filed a petition with the LPGA seeking an increase from a current maximum of six for non-tour members to a possible 12 sponsor exemptions into LPGA events.
Thompson’s agent, Bobby Kreusler of Blue Giraffe Sports, filed a petition that asks LPGA commissioner Mike Whan to grant Thompson 12 sponsor exemptions next season, six more than what LPGA rules allow non-members.
LPGA rules require that players be at least 18 years old to be eligible for tour membership and Morgan Pressel and Aree Song are the only players who have been granted waivers of that age restriction in tour history. But Thompson isn’t petitioning for membership.
Thompson, of Coral Springs, Fla., turned pro earlier this year and won $336,472 in her limited 2010 LPGA appearances, which would have ranked 34th on the LPGA money list if she were a tour member, and she tied for second at the Evian Masters and tied for 10th at the U.S. Women’s Open. When she was 12 she was the youngest qualifier ever for the U.S. Women’s Open at Pine Needles.
Thompson’s agent, Bobby Kreusler of Blue Giraffe Sports, filed the petition and he said it would actually help Thompson travel the world less by being able to play in the U.S. more often. Thompson has vowed to only play 17 events worldwide as she continues home-schooling.