Transgender Golfers in Alberta: Impact and Reactions

In Alberta, Canada, biological female golfers have seen significant changes on the leaderboards, as transgender golfers have begun to dominate women’s golf. A 2025 ruling allowed transgender golfers to participate, leading to a strong performance from athletes like Veronica Ivy and Rachel Elser.

This summer, Ivy and Elser have won five individual women’s golf championships. Ivy, who previously excelled in women’s cycling in Great Britain, was part of the victorious team in the 2026 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Elser claimed victories, including the Fort McMurray Club Championship and the 2026 Miskanaw Ladies Open title. Ivy won the B.C. Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master titles on the same day in June, along with another club title in August.

Ivy addressed critics saying, “To the bigots: stay mad, and get a better hobby.”

The group Women & Girls Alberta, advocating for the rights of women and girls in the province, is calling for changes. They argue that existing legislation should protect biological female golfers. However, Alberta Golf’s policies permit Ivy and Elser to compete. Their guidelines require that male-to-female transgender individuals provide medical documentation of ongoing gender reassignment for at least one year. Hormone therapy meets the standards set by Alberta Golf.

Ivy shared, “I’m getting back into competitive golf, which was the sport I grew up with since I was 3.” She began winning championships shortly after Alberta Golf updated its rules. Ivy further commented on public reactions, suggesting that the competition level is not as high as reported. She transitioned from elite-level track cycling competitions, without making it to national teams or the Olympics, to participating in provincial golf tournaments.

Veronica Ivy clarified, “I still haven’t cracked the top 10 at the Canadian national mid-amateur championship. I’m just out here trying my best, being a good competitor. Transphobes are pathetic.”

Veronica Ivy and Rachel Elser have made a notable impact with their victories, prompting discussions on transgender athletes in sports. The performance of transgender athletes in Alberta is seen by some as a challenge to the competitiveness of biological female golfers.