Royal and Ancient Golf Club name Claire Dowling as first female captain
Claire Dowling has made history by being appointed as the first female captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, taking up the role 12 years after the institution opened its membership to women.
The 2026-27 term appointment comes after nominations from past leaders of the prestigious St Andrews establishment.
Her landmark year in office will officially commence following the traditional driving-in ceremony on the first tee of the Old Course on Friday, 25 September 2026.
Pioneering membership and administrative roles
The Dublin-born golfer was among the pioneering group of women to join the Scottish club in 2015 following a landmark vote the previous year.
Since then, she has been a highly active administrator, serving extensively across the rules, general, and membership committees.
The experienced official previously acted as deputy chair for both the rules and general bodies before stepping into this prominent leadership position.
An extensive amateur playing career
Before transitioning to governance, the Irishwoman enjoyed a highly decorated amateur playing career across domestic and international competition.
She represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Curtis Cup four times, famously contributing to a historic 13-5 victory over the United States on American soil in 1986.
The five-time Irish Championship winner later returned to captain the GB&I squad against the Americans during a narrow 10-8 defeat at Ganton in 2000.
Further international honours included leading the Vagliano Trophy team and representing Ireland in the home internationals over a remarkable 13-year span.
Officiating legacy at The Open
Beyond her playing and committee achievements, the former Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke Play champion boasts a strong background in course refereeing.
She has officiated at The Open Championship on seven distinct occasions throughout her varied career in the sport.
During the 2021 tournament at Royal St George’s, she and her husband Peter notably became the first married couple to referee at the same championship.