US News
Transgender golfers win multiple women's events in Canada following policy update
Veronica Ivy and Rachel Elser have secured several regional and club titles under Alberta Golf's updated eligibility guidelines, drawing public criticism.
The short version
- Transgender athletes Veronica Ivy and Rachel Elser have won five individual women's golf championships in Alberta and British Columbia this summer.
- The victories follow a February 2025 policy update by Alberta Golf allowing male-to-female transgender athletes who have undergone gender reassignment therapy for at least one year to compete in women's events.
- Advocacy group Women & Girls Alberta criticized the inclusion rules, while Ivy defended her participation and characterized the regional competition as lower-level.
Key facts
- Alberta Golf updated its official policy in February 2025, requiring male-to-female transgender competitors who underwent gender reassignment after puberty to provide medical documentation that reassignment, such as hormone therapy, has been ongoing for a minimum of one year.[Fox News]
- Transgender golfers Veronica Ivy and Rachel Elser have won a combined five individual women's golf titles across Alberta and British Columbia during the summer.[Fox News]
- Rachel Elser's recent victories include the Fort McMurray Club Championship and the 2026 Miskanaw Ladies Open title.[Fox News]
- Veronica Ivy won the B.C. Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master titles in June, a club title in August, and contributed to the winning team at the 2026 Canadian Women's Mid-Amateur Championship.[Fox News]
- Advocacy group Women & Girls Alberta publicly opposed the results, alleging that provincial legislation should safeguard female athletes.[Fox News]
- Veronica Ivy responded to critics online, defending her participation and stating that she competes in provincial age-group events rather than world-level golf.[Fox News]