Claire Dowling Named First Woman Captain of The R&A

Claire Dowling became the first woman to serve as captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews on Friday, completing the traditional Driving-in Ceremony on the Old Course's first tee.

Who is Claire Dowling?

Dowling was one of the first women admitted as a member of The R&A, joining in 2015. She served on the club's Rules Committee from 2015 to 2019, becoming deputy chair in 2017, then was elected to the General Committee in 2019 and named its deputy chair in 2022. She most recently sat on the Membership Committee. Past captains nominated her for the role in May 2026, and her term began Sept. 25.

Dowling also had an extensive amateur playing career. She captained the GB&I Curtis Cup team to a narrow 10-8 defeat against the United States at Ganton in 2000, and also led the Vagliano Trophy and Irish national teams.

What did Dowling say about the honor?

Dowling met with R&A chief executive Mark Darbon the day before her driving-in ceremony. "I'm hugely honored," she said. "To follow in the footsteps of some fantastic captains and the rich heritage of the club for over 250 years, it's just an amazing thing. I could never have imagined it."

The driving-in ceremony requires the incoming captain to strike a tee shot down the first fairway without a practice swing, watched by club members gathered near the tee.