Claire Dowling will make history when she becomes the Royal and Ancient Golf Club's first female captain in 2026-27. The appointment comes 12 years after the prestigious St Andrews institution opened its membership to women. Dowling, who joined the club in 2015, was nominated by past captains and will begin her one-year term after the traditional driving-in ceremony on the Old Course's first tee on September 25.

The Dublin-born amateur boasts an exceptional playing career. Dowling represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Curtis Cup on four occasions, including the historic 1986 victory over the United States on American soil. Her leadership extends beyond competition as she has captained GB&I teams, chaired England Golf's handicap committee, and served on the Royal and Ancient's rules and general committees.

Dowling has refereed at The Open seven times, including the 2021 championship at Royal St George's where she and her husband became the first married couple to referee at the same championship. Her appointment as captain represents a significant milestone for women in golf, following the club's 2011 decision to admit female members after 260 years of male-only membership.