Golf Ireland honorary life member Claire Dowling has officially begun her term as Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews after the traditional driving-in ceremony on the first tee of the Old Course.
The Dublin native, who becomes the first woman to hold the role, struck her opening tee shot at 8am following the firing of a cannon in front of Members, former Captains and members of the public.
A large gathering of Members, former Captains and members of the public assembled to share in the time-honoured tradition.
As Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Claire will be an ambassador for the Club and The R&A, engaging with Members at events around the world and championing the sport as The R&A brings its new Opening Golf to the World strategy to life.
Throughout her year in office Claire will represent the Club at many of The R&A’s professional and amateur championships and international matches, meeting those who contribute to golf at every level.
After hitting her tee shot, Claire said, “To begin my year as Captain here in St Andrews, surrounded by friends and fellow Members, is a very special moment. It is a huge privilege to serve as Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and I am honoured to be the first woman to take on the role. The Club has such a remarkable history and tradition but it is continuing to evolve which is so important for any institution.
“I am really looking forward to representing the Club and to everything the year ahead will bring. I’m also excited to be supporting The R&A as it continues its important work to develop and promote golf around the world while celebrating everything that makes our sport so special.”
A distinguished amateur golfer, she represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Curtis Cup on four occasions and was part of the team which made history in 1986 by securing the first GB&I victory over the USA on American soil, winning 13-5 at Prairie Dunes.
Born and educated in Dublin, Claire won five Irish Championships, the first in 1983, as well as the Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship in 1986 and the Spanish Amateur Championship in 1987.
After a successful playing career, Claire captained the GB&I Curtis Cup team in its narrow 10-8 defeat to the USA at Ganton in 2000. Claire was among the first women to become Members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club in 2015 and has served on several committees.
An experienced referee, Claire has officiated at The Open on seven occasions, including at Royal St George’s in 2021 when she and her husband Peter, a retired District Judge, became the first married couple to referee at the same Championship.
A prominent figure in Irish women’s golf, Claire is an honorary life member of Golf Ireland and holds the same distinction at several golf clubs, including Woodbrook, Cork, Copt Heath, Portmarnock and her home club, East Devon. Claire’s current Handicap Index is 7.6.
“On behalf of everyone at Golf Ireland, I want to congratulate Claire as she begins her year as Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews,” said Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly.
“Claire has made an outstanding contribution to golf over many years, as a player, a captain and a referee, and she has always been a great supporter of the game here. The fact that she is also the first woman to hold the role is a proud moment for Irish golf, and we wish her every success in the year ahead.”
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