Overview
- The Royal and Ancient Golf Club said Wednesday it had named Claire Dowling captain for 2026–27 after nomination by past captains.
- She becomes the first woman to hold the captaincy at the St Andrews members’ club.
- Her year will begin on September 25 after the Driving-in Ceremony on the Old Course first tee, a tradition that opens the captain’s term.
- Dowling is a decorated Irish amateur who played four Curtis Cups, won five Irish titles, and helped Great Britain and Ireland win at Prairie Dunes in 1986.
- She was among the first women admitted in 2015 and later served on rules and governance committees, while also refereeing at The Open seven times, including alongside her husband in 2021.