Transgender golfer sues over birth rule

A transgender woman is suing the US LPGA Tour over a requirement which states all competitors must be "female at birth."

The New York Times is reporting on Wednesday that Lana Lawless, a 57-year-old who underwent gender reassignment surgery in 2005, filed a lawsuit in US District Court in San Francisco claiming the policy violates California civil rights laws.

Lawless won the women's world championship in long-drive golf in 2008, but was barred from competing this year because Long Drivers of America - which oversees the event - had changed its policy to mirror that of the US LPGA.

She is seeking to prevent the US LPGA from holding events in California until the policy is changed, as well as an unspecified amount in damages from Long Drivers of America and two of its title sponsors.