R&A golf club names Claire Dowling as first woman captain in its 272-year history

• St Andrews club opened membership to women in 2014

• Dowling will serve as club captain from September

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews has appointed amateur player Claire Dowling as the first woman captain in its 272-year history.

The club, based at the “home of golf” on the east coast of Scotland, opened its membership to women 12 years ago.