LONDON (AP) – The Ladies’ European Golf Tour has voted to admit transsexual professional golfers. The decision by the controlling body for women’s golf in Europe brings it into line with guidelines already set by the International Olympic Committee, which came into effect at the Athens Olympics.

The tour was approached by Australian trans golfer Mianne Bagger. The 37 year old, who was born in Denmark and now lives in Melbourne, was allowed to play earlier this year in the Australian Women’s Open.

Under intense media scrutiny, Bagger played badly and did not qualify for the money. But her presence in a national golf competition was hailed as a major advancement for transgender acceptance.

Following the match, Bagger sent letters to the European and American tours. She has yet to hear from the LGPA, which has a strict “female at birth” clause; in July, an American trans golfer was forced to qualify as a man.

The European tour, which had a similar “female at birth” clause, revoked the clause at their recent meeting.

Women’s Golf Australia chief executive Masie Mooney, who was originally accused in some quarters of creating a publicity stunt for the women’s Open at Concord by inviting Bagger to play, said she was thrilled with the European tour’s decision.

“That’s fantastic,” she said. “At Concord, she did herself a lot of good with the way she handled herself on the issue of transgender relationship, and she spoke openly with players who may have had concerns.”

In November, the American Ladies Profession Golf Association will put the issue to a special general meeting of its members, with executive director Warren Sevil saying: “Obviously, this [European] decision is going to have an impact on what my membership decides.”