In Alberta, Canada, the landscape of women’s golf is experiencing significant changes. This follows a 2025 ruling that allowed transgender golfers to compete in women’s golf, leading to notable wins by trans athletes in recent competitions.
Two such athletes, Veronica Ivy and Rachel Elser, have claimed five individual women’s golf championships this summer. Veronica Ivy, who previously excelled in women’s cycling in Great Britain, was also part of the victorious team at the 2026 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship.
Rachel Elser’s achievements include winning the Fort McMurray Club Championship and the 2026 Miskanaw Ladies Open title. Meanwhile, Ivy achieved victories in the B.C. Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master titles on the same day and secured another club title in August.
“Get better, ladies,” says Ivy to critics of transgender inclusion in women’s golf.
Dr. Veronica Ivy, an associate professor of philosophy at the College of Charleston, has responded to critics by encouraging improvement instead of criticism. Ivy advocates for acceptance and persistence in achieving success.
Women & Girls Alberta, a group advocating for the rights of female athletes, argues that current legislation should protect biological female golfers in Alberta. However, Alberta Golf’s transgender rules, established in February 2025, permit male-to-female transgender individuals who have undergone at least one year of hormone therapy to compete as females.
Since these rules were implemented, transgender golfers have gained notable success in provincial competitions.
Veronica Ivy shared on Instagram their return to competitive golf, which Ivy began playing at a young age. Ivy’s involvement in women’s golf has led to several championship victories.
However, Ivy believes the concern surrounding their wins is exaggerated. In a conversation with OutSports, Ivy stated that the competition level may not be as high as perceived. Ivy has not yet reached the top 10 at the Canadian national mid-amateur championship and views themselves as striving to be a good competitor.
Rachel Elser’s golf history is less documented, except for a 2025 club championship, yet trans athletes continue to win major titles in Alberta’s women’s golf.
Echoing Ivy’s sentiment, the expectation is for biological female golfers to adapt or enhance their skills in response to these changes.
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