Transgender Golfers Gain Prominence in Alberta Women’s Golf

In Alberta, Canada, female golfers face increased competition from transgender athletes. This follows a 2025 ruling allowing transgender participation in women’s golf. Two transgender golfers, Veronica Ivy and Rachel Elser, have secured significant wins in women’s championships this summer.

Veronica Ivy, a former women’s cycling champion in Great Britain, triumphed in multiple events, including being part of the winning team in the 2026 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Elser claimed the Fort McMurray Club Championship and the 2026 Miskanaw Ladies Open title. Ivy’s additional victories include the B.C. Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master titles and another club title in August.

Ivy responds to critics of transgender participation in women’s golf by encouraging others to improve their skills. She wrote, “To the bigots: stay mad, and get a better hobby.” She emphasizes her determination to continue succeeding despite opposition.

The group Women & Girls Alberta advocates protecting female golfers’ rights. They express concern over the current rules that support transgender participation. Alberta Golf’s policy requires documented gender reassignment for at least one year, including hormone therapy, for male-to-female transgender individuals to compete in women’s categories.

Despite these regulations, some, like Ivy, believe exposure may exaggerate their achievements. Ivy maintains that the competition level they face is not strong. She transitioned from high-level cycling to competing for provincial golf titles. Ivy points out that she has yet to break into the top 10 at Canadian national championships.

Rachel Elser’s background in golf outside a 2025 women’s club championship remains sparse. However, transgender athletes continue to win titles, prompting a call from biological female golfers to improve or adapt.