I tell people the US Disc Golf Championship is the equivalent to the ball golf Masters in that it is held at one course that very few are able to play outside the event, it is treated differently than other tour events, and that qualifying is similar. (The Professional Disc Golf Association in an article quoted this opinion and attributed it to me.)
A few years ago, a women's division was created but unlike the mixed one, it is not a major since the US Women's Open is one.
Other than past winners, qualifying for those two events held on the campus of Winthrop University in South Carolina in October happens throughout the year and the top finishers not already qualified in selected events get a spot to the main event.
Last weekend had a non tour event serve as a qualifier. Called Throw Down the Mountain, it is held on a former quarry site which might in the future get a larger event since six time world champion Paul McBeth teamed up with White Sox pitcher Dylan Cease to purchase the property to make the temp course there permanent.
As expected, Paul McBeth beat the weaker field fairly comfortably and the next four finishers gained the berth to the USDGC, one of which was settled in a playoff. The controversy happened in the FPO division.
The day after the event, the MAGA mom of twins one who finished third and the other losing a playoff posted to multiple forums claiming her daughter won and deserves the berth since the playoff winner, Natalie Ryan, should not be allowed to compete in FPO being transgender. (The exact ignorant words won't be quoted in this blog)
The pro tour and PDGA won't allow her to compete on tour and in majors but will allow the #9 ranked FPO player to play other events this one only having one other player ranked in the top 50. (There is a lawsuit in California about her not being allowed on tour).
As someone replied, "I will refer to someone by however the choose to identify themself but bodies play this event and hers is not female." When I watch her throw a disc, I see an MA1 player and not an FPO and I agree with that idea.
Having a daughter, can relate to the parent. One youth soccer game, I reported a different park district after overhearing one parent state the team had players older than allowed.
Had my daughter lost an opportunity to play at Winthrop to a trans woman, even if she would finish as far out of first as I did in the world's, there would be a desire to approach Natalie with my phone recording, knee her in the nuts, and while she is reacting, ask the camera how she is allowed to play FPO.
