THERE was a time where some venues on the Royal & Ancient’s rota for The Open Championship did not have a single female member.
Thankfully, we have (mostly) moved on from those times as
women continue to blaze a trail in golf administration around the world.
So much so that Claire Dowling has become the first female captain of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club at St Andrews.
The role is one of the most important in amateur golf administration across the globe.
Dowling was nominated by the past captains of the R&A – world golf’s amateur controlling body.
She will begin her year in office after the traditional Driving-in ceremony on the first tee of the Old Course at St Andrews in September.
A distinguished amateur golfer, Dowling represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Curtis Cup on four occasions and was part of the 1986 team that secured the first victory over the USA team on American soil with a 13-5 win at Prairie Dunes.
Off the course, Dowling has been heavily involved in golf administration, chairing England Golf’s Handicap and Course Rating Committee since 2012.
Clare Dowling has become the first female captain of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club at
St Andrews.
Dowling was one of the first women to become a member of The Royal & Ancient Golf Club in 2015 and served on the Rules Committee from 2015 to 2019, becoming Deputy Chair in 2017. She was elected to the General Committee in 2019 and became Deputy Chair in 2022. She is currently serving on the Membership Committee.
Golf Australia CEO, James Sutherland, himself an R&A member, said Dowling’s appointment was another milestone for the sport. It showcases the opportunities for all women to play, compete and work in golf. This was the case from grassroots clubs and venues to the highest leadership roles globally,” he said
“Firstly, on behalf of Golf Australia, I would like to congratulate Claire on this deserving appointment to serve as Captain of the R&A.
“Claire has dedicated much of her life to the advancement and administration of golf and I have no doubt she will apply that knowledge and experience to great effect as Captain of the R&A.
“As the first woman to be elected Captain of the R&A, Claire is a shining example of the important role women play at every level of our sport.”
FOOTNOTE: Royal Sydney stalwart, Sandy Dawson, is the only Australian to have been Captain of St Andrews. Along with Andrew Langford Jones, he was awarded an OAM in January for services to golf.
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