AskBeehaw

There is more to genedered events than meets the eye. On the surface, it can seem like trying to separate based on ability or potential ability that may seem unnecessary. I don't follow golf so I can't compare the best men's and women's golfers myself. However Chess is also has men's and women's leagues, and doesn't need to separate on any physical differences between men and women. When it comes to events like Chess, US Chess started a Girl's league to help draw and maintain girls playing the game to great success.

Having a separate women's league can make sure that women see there is an oppotuntiy to play and lower that bar to joining, potentially reduce toxicity from a still otherwise male dominated event (this analysis has a gender breakdown for the India Chess Federation), and make sure that women win some of the prize money available incentivising players to play. However there are some like International Master Sam Shankland that believe that it would be better if there was just one league for everyone to compete in, incentivising everyone to improve to the highest level. There are some concerns about a skill gap between men and women, however there are statistical analysis showing that can be explained by having two vastly different sizes of groups being represented and ranked.