Royal And Ancient Golf Club, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: MarkxSunderland 845-1076 Editorial Use Only
Royal And Ancient Golf Club, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: MarkxSunderland 845-1076 Editorial Use Only
History has a way of finding its rightful pace, and for the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, that moment has finally arrived.
Since its establishment in 1754, the club has stood as a bastion of tradition. Now, it is undergoing a significant change. According to the R&A, Claire Dowling is the first woman nominated for the position of Club Captain in 272 years.
She will be the first female Captain of the club during the 2026/27 season.
The nomination from Past Captains of the Club recognizes the long-standing efforts put in by Dowling for the betterment of the game and her status in the R&A.
Claire Dowling was among the first women admitted to membership in 2015, and years of committee service has now led to her election as Club Captain.
Previously, she served as Deputy Chair of the Rules Committee. She has also served on the Membership Committee and the General Committee.
Dowling's achievements as a golfer
Before moving into golf administration, Dowling had already established herself as a formidable presence on the course. She represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Curtis Cup on four occasions as a player.
Dowling was a key part of the prestigious 1986 team that earned the first GB&I victory over the USA on their soil, by an overwhelming margin of 13-5.
Beyond her playing career, Dowling went on to captain the Great Britain and Ireland Curtis Cup team in 2000 at Ganton.
Her other achievements include five Irish championship titles and a Spanish Amateur title.
Apart from competing and contributing to the game in administrative roles, she has also officiated at the highest level. As a referee, she has worked at The Open on seven occasions, including at Royal St George’s.
In the 2021 Championship, she created history as she, together with her spouse, Peter, became the first-ever married couple to officiate at the same championship.
This appointment marks a significant evolution for the R&A. As the club nears its third century, Dowling's captaincy bridges the gap between storied heritage and a modern future.
Trending slideshow: 9 Rising Female Golf Stars Under 25 You Should Know
Dolly Bhamrick
9 Rising Female Golf Stars Under 25 You Should KnowThe next generation of women’s golf has arrived, and they’re not just promising; they’re already winning on the biggest stages. From teenage prodigies to record-setting champions, these under-25 stars have taken the LPGA and amateur circuits by storm. With multiple Majors, global victories, and fearless play styles, they’re proving that the sport’s future is both bright and bold. Let’s meet the nine young women shaping the next era of golf greatness. Fran Caffrey via Imago/GolffileBorn June 20, 2001, Japan’s Yuka Saso is already a two-time US Women’s Open champion (2021, 2024) and one of the game’s brightest stars, climbing into the top ranks of the Rolex Women’s World Rankings. She became the joint youngest winner in the event’s history at 19 years, 11 months, 17 days. She represented the Philippines early in her career and later Japan. John Jones-USA TODAY SportsThailand’s Jeeno Thitikul won a professional event at just 14 years, 4 months, 19 days, a world record until 2023. Born Feb 20, 2003, she’s a former World No.1 with 17 worldwide wins, including four on the LPGA Tour. Often listed as Atthaya Thitikul (nicknamed “Jeeno”), she was the youngest-ever winner of a professional event at age 14 (recorded in 2017) and has multiple worldwide wins with strong LPGA form through 2024–25. She is commonly referenced as Atthaya; “Jeeno” is a nickname she has used professionally. Alex Todd via ImagoChina’s Ruoning Yin, born September 28, 2002, has one Major and five LPGA titles to her name. China’s Ruoning Yin is one of the most promising young stars in women’s golf. She captured her first Major at the 2023 Women’s PGA Championship at age 20, becoming only the second Chinese player to win a Major. By the end of 2024, Yin had secured four LPGA Tour titles, including victories at the DIO Implant LA Open and the Buick LPGA Shanghai. Scott Serio via ImagoBorn May 27, 2000, Japan’s Ayaka Furue won her first Major at the 2024 Amundi Evian Championship, finishing with a dramatic eagle on the final hole. An eight-time LPGA of Japan Tour winner, she also claimed the 2024 LPGA Vare Trophy for lowest scoring average. In 2025, Furue added multiple top-5 finishes on the LPGA Tour, including a solo fourth at the ShopRite LPGA Classic, and is currently ranked 19th in the world, establishing herself as one of Japan’s most consistent young stars. John Jones-USA TODAY SportsAn amateur legend turned instant pro success, Rose Zhang made a historic LPGA debut by winning the 2023 Mizuho Americas Open in a playoff, becoming the first player since 1951 to win in her professional debut. A two-time NCAA champion at Stanford, she also represented the U.S. in the 2023 and 2024 Solheim Cups, achieving a perfect 4-0-0 record in 2024. By 2025, Zhang has secured three LPGA titles, including the 2025 Cognizant Founders Cup, and is ranked among the top 10 in the world. Seth Wenig / APSouth Korea’s Hae-ran Ryu, born March 23, 2001, claimed Rookie of the Year honors on both the LPGA of Korea Tour (2020) and LPGA Tour (2023). She has two LPGA wins and top-10 finishes in nearly every Major. South Korean player with multiple wins on the KLPGA and a growing LPGA presence; noted as a consistent young performer with top finishes in big events. AP Photo/Michael WoodsBorn August 2, 2001, Miyū Yamashita is a dominant force on the LPGA of Japan Tour, having claimed 13 tour victories since turning professional in 2020. Known for her precise ball-striking and composure under pressure, she has consistently finished in the top 10 in JLPGA money lists and continues to be one of Japan’s brightest young golf talents. @miyuu_yamashita/InstagramEngland’s Lottie Woad, born in 2004, made history by winning the 2024 Augusta National Women’s Amateur, becoming the first British woman to claim the title. In her professional debut in July 2025, she secured a commanding victory at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open, finishing at 21-under-par, three shots ahead of the competition. Prior to turning professional, she also won the 2025 KPMG Women’s Irish Open as an amateur. Woad earned her LPGA Tour card through the LEAP program and began her professional career after the 2025 Evian Championship. Ken Murray/ Icon Sportswire via ImagoJasmine Koo made a significant impact in 2024 by earning low amateur honors with a T13 finish at the Chevron Championship, one of the LPGA's major events. She also won the prestigious 2023 Women's Western Amateur and represented the U.S. as the top performer at the 2023 Junior Solheim Cup, contributing 2.5 points to the team's efforts. Ranked as high as No. 5 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, Koo is committed to play for the USC Trojans. Golffile Fran Caffrey via Imago
