Claire Dowling appointed Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews

Early day motion 94, tabled 14 May 2026 by Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 9 members.

That this House congratulates Claire Dowling on being appointed to serve as Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews for 2026/2027 following nomination by the past captains of the Club; recognises that Claire is the first woman to serve as Captain and will begin her year in office after the traditional driving-in ceremony on the first tee of the Old Course on 25 September 2026; notes that Claire has devoted much of her life to golf and she has played in numerous tournaments such as the European Team Championships, the Vagliano Trophy and the Women’s Amateur Championship; and acknowledges that Claire was also the first woman to become a member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club in 2015 and is currently serving on the Membership Committee.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 7, DUP 1, Scottish National Party 1.