Five-time Irish Amateur champion Claire Dowling drove in a new era for The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews this morning as she became the first woman to take up in the role in the 272-year history of the club.
At precisely 8am this morning she took part in the traditional driving-in ceremony on the 1st tee of the Old Course, launching her opening drive down the fairway in front of a large gathering of members, former captains and members of the public to officially commence her term in office.
As captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Claire will represent the club at many of The R&A’s professional and amateur championships and international matches, and championing the sport as The R&A brings its new Opening Golf to the World strategy to life., and meeting those engaged at every level of the game.
After hitting her tee shot, Dowling 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.”
She added: “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, Dowling, 68, represented Great Britain & 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, she 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, she 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, Dowling 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, Dowling is an honorary life member of the Irish Ladies’ Golf Union and holds the same distinction at several golf clubs, including Woodbrook, Cork, Copt Heath, Portmarnock and her home club, East Devon. He current Handicap Index is 7.6.
Ends.
Notes to Picture Editors:
Caption Left: A photograph of Claire Dowling driving-in as Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews on the 1st tee of the Old Course.