In Alberta, Canada, biological female golfers are facing new competition. Since a 2025 ruling, transgender golfers have become prominent in women’s golf competitions in the province.

Transgender Golfers Making Headlines

Trans golfers Veronica Ivy and Rachel Elser have claimed five individual women’s golf championships this summer. Ivy, known for her past success in women’s cycling in Great Britain, also contributed to the winning team in the 2026 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship.

Elser has secured victories at the Fort McMurray Club Championship and the 2026 Miskanaw Ladies Open. Ivy clinched the B.C. Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master titles in June and an additional club title in August.

“To the bigots: stay mad, and get a better hobby,” Ivy wrote. “You’re deeply unwell and obsessed with harassing a stranger. You’re not going to make me stop existing and succeeding. I feel really sorry for you. You have my pity.”

Women & Girls Alberta, a group advocating for the rights of women and girls in Alberta, has voiced its concerns. The group argues that existing legislation should protect female golfers. However, Ivy and Elser are competing within the rules set by Alberta Golf.

Policy Allowing Transgender Participation

Alberta Golf, governing the sport in the province, updated its transgender policy in February 2025. For male-to-female transgender athletes, participation as a female requires documentation from a medical practitioner confirming ongoing gender reassignment for at least a year. Hormone therapy satisfies the criteria for reassignment.

Results following this policy change indicate a growing presence of transgender golfers in the sport.

Ivy’s Viewpoint on Competition

Ivy shared her journey back into competitive golf, a sport she engaged with since the age of three. Despite her achievements, Ivy notes the level of competition. She believes her previous experience in elite world-level track cycling contrasts with provincial titles in golf.

“They just see that I won some competition—without any checking for what level of competition it was,” Ivy told OutSports. While Ivy has not yet placed in the top 10 at the Canadian national mid-amateur championship, she focuses on being a strong competitor.

Elser’s victory history includes a women’s club championship in 2025. Her success, alongside Ivy’s accomplishments, marks a shift in Alberta women’s golf.

Conclusion

Ivy remarks that biological female golfers need to adjust or improve. The discussion surrounding transgender participation in sports remains a contentious issue.