Transgender golfers dominate Alberta women's tournaments amid policy controversy
Transgender athletes Veronica Ivy and Rachel Elser have captured multiple women's golf titles in Alberta following a 2025 rule change, prompting criticism from the group Women & Girls Alberta.
A 2025 decision opened the door for transgender golfers to compete in women's tournaments across Alberta, and the change has quickly manifested in a series of victories by Veronica Ivy and Rachel Elser. Ivy, previously a top cyclist in Great Britain, and Elser have together won five individual women's championships this summer, including the Fort McMurray Club Championship, the 2026 Miskanaw Ladies Open, and the B.C. Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master titles.
Their dominance has sparked backlash from the advocacy group Women & Girls Alberta, which claims existing provincial legislation should safeguard biological female athletes. Alberta Golf's February 2025 guidelines stipulate that male-to-female athletes must provide a medical document confirming at least one year of gender reassignment, with hormone therapy deemed sufficient. Ivy has publicly dismissed critics, labeling them as “bigots” and urging them to find a new hobby, while Elser’s earlier golf experience remains minimal. The controversy underscores ongoing debates over transgender inclusion in women's sports in Canada.
Why it matters
The story highlights the clash between transgender inclusion policies and concerns about fairness in women's athletics.
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