Revolutionizing Professional Golf with Gender-Inclusive Competition
Miami, FL – December 11, 2024 – NXXT Golf has made history with the resounding success of its inaugural “Battle of the Sexes” event, hosted at the prestigious Orange County National Golf Center on December 9-10. In a groundbreaking format, rising stars and seasoned professionals from the PGA, LPGA, LET, Korn Ferry and Epson Tours competed side by side in a gender-neutral field, showcasing the global appeal and potential of inclusive professional golf.
This thrilling tournament brought together 34 elite players from nine countries, including the United States, England, Canada, Sweden, China, South Korea, Mexico, Lithuania, and Colombia. The result was a fiercely competitive display of talent, with women taking a dramatic victory and claiming the championship belt and trophy.
Laney Frye of Nicholasville, Kentucky, emerged as the standout performer, capturing her first professional title with a stellar 8-under-par finish. Frye’s consistent play and unwavering focus set her apart in a world-class field. “This win is a dream come true,” Frye shared. “Competing in such an innovative and inclusive format has been an unforgettable experience.” Notably, this event marked Frye's professional debut, making her triumph even more remarkable.
The top 10 leaderboard showcased the parity and potential of the mixed-gender format, with five women and five men earning top spots. Despite the even split, it was the women who stole the show, clinching the coveted championship belt this time around. Fans are already anticipating future matchups, wondering: with such balanced competition, who will take the belt next time?
Sharing the podium were Willie Mack III, whose inspiring journey from hardship to the PGA Tour captivated audiences, and England’s Holly Clyburn, a seasoned LPGA and LET professional. Both players tied for second with impressive 6-under-par performances.
The event celebrated the diversity of its participants and highlighted the power of inclusivity in elevating the sport. Sweden’s Fredrik Lindblom (-4), USA’s Ty Gingerich (-4) and Canon Claycomb (-4), and China’s Mohan Du (-4) all tied for fourth, showcasing strong and consistent performances. Sweden’s Louise Olsson-Campbell (-2) and Colombia’s Maria Bohorquez (-1) contributed their own flair to the competition, further underscoring the global appeal and elite caliber of the “Battle of the Sexes.”
The Path Forward: Expanding the “Battle of the Sexes” Series
Buoyed by the success of its debut, NXXT Golf is already looking ahead to future iterations of the “Battle of the Sexes.” The next two events, scheduled for March and April 2025, will bring this revolutionary format to iconic venues worldwide, offering fans and players alike new opportunities to experience this thrilling competition.
Continuing Innovation with the NXXT Women’s Pro Tour Winter Series
As the “Battle of the Sexes” series breaks new ground, the NXXT Women’s Pro Tour Winter Series continues its mission to elevate women’s professional golf. Spanning 13 championship events from November through March, the Winter Series provides critical opportunities for players during the traditional off-season. With partnerships like the one with the LPGA, which offers 10 Epson Tour exemptions, the series serves as a vital pathway for rising talent.
A Bold Vision for the Future of Golf
NXXT Golf is dedicated to reshaping professional golf through innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. Initiatives such as the “Battle of the Sexes” series, NXXT Women’s Pro Tour, and NXXTGen Junior Tour exemplify this mission. By creating opportunities that challenge convention and inspire fans worldwide, NXXT Golf is forging a new legacy for the sport.
For more information on upcoming events and results, visit the NXXT Women’s Pro Tour website at www.nxxtwomensprotour.com.
Contact:
Stuart McKinnon
CEO, NXXT Golf
About NXXT Golf
NXXT Golf is dedicated to transforming women's golf by providing competitive platforms and professional opportunities for female athletes. Our flagship NXXT Women's Pro Tour offers elite competition for professional female golfers, attracting top talent from around the world. As part of our commitment to advancing women's golf, we have partnered with the Epson Tour to create pathways for players to progress to higher levels of competition, including the Epson Tour and the LPGA Tour.
The NXXT Women's Pro Tour is renowned for its innovative TEAM Golf format, robust schedule, and events that challenge and enhance players' skills. Our partnership with the LPGA ensures that our events align with the highest standards of professional golf, providing a seamless transition for players aspiring to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
The groundbreaking “Battle of the Sexes” series has further cemented NXXT Golf’s commitment to inclusivity, allowing men and women to compete on an even playing field in an electrifying format.
The introduction of the NXXTGen Girls Junior Tour and the NXXTGen Girls College Tour underscores our mission to empower the next generation of golf champions. By offering top-tier competitive opportunities and fostering talent from a young age, NXXT Golf is shaping the future of women's golf and supporting athletes at every stage of their careers.