Transgender Golfers Rise in Alberta Women’s Competitions

In Alberta, Canada, the landscape of women’s golf is changing. Recent victories by transgender golfers have sparked debate and frustration among traditional competitors. The shift began after a 2025 ruling that allowed transgender athletes to compete in women’s golf events, leading to notable performances by Veronica Ivy and Rachel Elser. These two competitors have secured multiple titles this summer, capturing five individual championships between them.

Veronica Ivy, who also had a successful career in women’s cycling in Great Britain, was part of the team that won the 2026 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Elser’s triumphs include winning the Fort McMurray Club Championship and the 2026 Miskanaw Ladies Open. Meanwhile, Ivy celebrated victories in the B.C. Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master titles and another club title.

Ivy has been vocal in her response to critics, encouraging them to improve their skills if they seek to compete at her level. She expressed disdain for those who oppose transgender athletes in women’s sports, referring to them as obsessed and misguided.

Ivy stated, “To the bigots: stay mad, and get a better hobby. You’re not going to make me stop existing and succeeding.”

Women & Girls Alberta, a group advocating for the rights and safety of women and girls in the province, argues that current legislation should protect biological female golfers. Despite this, Alberta Golf’s rules, updated in February 2025, state that male-to-female transgender individuals must provide medical documentation of hormone therapy ongoing for at least one year to compete as females. This policy aligns with Ivy and Elser’s participation in women’s events.

Ivy shared her enthusiasm about returning to competitive golf, a sport she has been involved with since childhood. She attributes her recent victories to her background in elite sports and notes that she is still striving to break into the top rankings at the Canadian national mid-amateur championship.

Regarding the media’s portrayal of her achievements, Ivy commented that some outlets exaggerate the significance of her wins, attributing them to a lack of competition rather than personal talent. She downplays the victories, suggesting her opponents need to elevate their game.

As for Rachel Elser, her significant achievements in women’s golf were not widely recognized until her recent successes. Despite mixed reactions from the golfing community and beyond, Ivy maintains that the onus is on the competition to improve and adapt.