Niall Horan Looks to Return to Golf Amid Busy Schedule
Niall Horan has been managing a challenging schedule as he navigates a whirlwind beginning to 2026. Despite this, the global music sensation is eager to reclaim more time on the golf course during his upcoming World Tour.
This week, Horan made an appearance at the Pro-Am event held at the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, a lead-up to the AIG Women’s Open. He joined a distinguished group that included Solheim Cup standout Maja Stark, R&A chief executive Mark Darbon, and social media personality Georgia Ball.
An enthusiastic golfer, Horan played the event with a handicap of 10, having previously maintained an “8” during busier golfing years. He expressed excitement at the chance to play on one of the Open’s most revered courses, calling it a bucket list destination.
Experiencing the Challenge of Tournament Play
“This is my first time playing at Royal Lytham & St Annes. It’s definitely been on my bucket list,” Horan shared during his appearance on Sky Sports. “The experience of playing in tournament conditions ahead of the AIG Women’s Open was truly unforgettable.”
Despite his limited play over the year—having only completed six rounds—Horan maintained a positive outlook on his performance: “Given my current lack of practice, I felt I played pretty well.”
Busy Schedule Impacts Golfing Opportunities
Horan recently released his fourth studio album, *Dinner Party*, on June 5, which has significantly limited his time for golf. He noted, “Not being able to play means I’ve lost a few strokes from my game,” emphasizing the challenges of balancing his music career with his passion for golf.
Looking ahead, Horan aims to fit in some golf before embarking on his “Dinner Party Live on Tour.” This series of concerts starts in Birmingham on September 22 and will proceed through the UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe before heading to Australia in February and North America from March to May.
Tour Life and Golfing Aspirations
Discussing his tour schedule, Horan noted, “On tour, my days are planned meticulously, and I often find I am more enthusiastic about golf than during promotional activities.” He expressed hope to explore golf courses along the tour route, particularly looking forward to returning to Australia and playing at venues like Kingston Heath and Royal Melbourne.
Commitment to Golf and Women’s Golf Legacy
As a dedicated advocate for the sport, Horan has been an R&A Ambassador since 2021, focusing on increasing golf’s popularity at all levels. He took special note of the growth of the AIG Women’s Open, which has seen its prize money more than triple since Royal Lytham hosted the tournament in 2018. “This event has definitely scaled up,” he stated, highlighting the exceptional quality of women’s golf today.
“The rise in event stature reflects the caliber of the athletes we are witnessing,” Horan remarked. “It’s a well-deserved recognition for the talented players who compete.” As attention builds for the upcoming AIG Women’s Open, Sky Sports will provide comprehensive coverage, including the first-ever featured group broadcasts.
