Niall Horan’s golf handicap has slipped a bit after a hectic start to 2026, but the international pop star is optimistic that his forthcoming world tour will afford him more opportunities to return to the links. Earlier this week, Horan took centre stage at the pro‑am hosted by Royal Lytham & St Annes, the venue for the upcoming AIG Women’s Open, which was broadcast live on Sky Sports. He shared the fairway with Solheim Cup standout Maja Stark, R&A chief executive Mark Darbon and social‑media personality Georgia Ball. A former member of One Direction, Horan is a passionate golfer who entered the event with a ten‑handicap, a noticeable rise from his usual "around eight" when he can play more consistently.
He expressed genuine excitement at the chance to walk the historic fairways of one of the Open’s most revered courses. "I’d never had the privilege of playing this place before and Royal Lytham & St Annes is obviously one of those bucket‑list locations," Horan told Sky Sports exclusively.
"I loved it. To be here playing under tournament conditions, just before the AIG Women’s Open, was an incredible experience. It’s a very tough test and should produce a great championship.
I think I played alright, considering how little golf I’ve been able to fit in lately." Horan’s fourth studio album, Dinner Party, dropped on June 5 and has already secured another number‑one spot on the charts. The promotional cycle for the record has left him with limited time to practice his swing, which he admits has affected his scoring. "I’ve probably played six rounds this year, which isn’t much for my handicap," he explained. "Because I haven’t been on the course as often, I’ve lost a few strokes.
I could end up shooting six or seven over par, or I might land in the mid‑80s – it’s a tricky place to be." He likened the occasional return to the game after a break to picking up a set of sledgehammers: "Sometimes it feels like I’m handling a set of sledgehammers after being away for a while, but I’ll get back into the rhythm over the next few weeks. I have some downtime before rehearsals for the tour start, so I’ll try to fit in a few more rounds." The "Dinner Party Live On Tour" schedule kicks off in Birmingham on September 22 and will travel across the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe throughout the autumn. The itinerary then heads down under in February before moving on to North America from March through May.
Horan noted that the structure of a tour actually provides more flexibility for golf than a packed promotional schedule. "Funnily enough, when you’re on tour I know exactly what my days look like – everything is planned out.
I can actually squeeze in a bit more golf than I could when I’m in the middle of a promotional run," he said. "Now that I have the schedule in front of me, I’ll try to get ahead and tick a few courses off the list as we travel." He is especially eager to return to Australia, hoping to play more of the famed Sandbelt courses. "I’m excited to get back down to Australia and try a couple more of the Sandbelt courses.
I played Royal Melbourne last time, so Kingston Heath or something similar would be wonderful," Horan added. "When we get to the United States, I’ll have to think carefully. On the tour, the days off are based on where there’s good golf – it’s the truth!" Beyond his personal love of the game, Horan is also the founder of Modest!
Golf and has served as an R&A ambassador since 2021. He frequently advocates for the sport’s growth at every level, highlighting the mental and physical benefits it offers. His involvement underscores a broader commitment to making golf more accessible and appealing to a younger, diverse audience. The AIG Women’s Open itself has seen a dramatic increase in prize money, more than tripling since the tournament was last held at Royal Lytham in 2018.
This year’s edition boasts a record‑setting purse, a development Horan praised enthusiastically. "It’s insane – in the last five or six years this event has just exploded," he remarked. "The women’s game has never been stronger, and the quality of play deserves the massive sponsorship and the huge prize fund. The players are getting the recognition they deserve." Sky Sports remains the exclusive broadcaster of the AIG Women’s Open in the UK and Ireland, offering expanded coverage that includes a new "Featured Groups" segment.
This added programming begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, with full live coverage launching at 1 p.m. and continued live action for rounds three and four over the weekend. Fans can watch the tournament live on Sky Sports Golf or stream the coverage without a contract, ensuring the event reaches a wide audience.
In summary, while Horan’s recent limited golf practice has nudged his handicap upward, his upcoming tour schedule promises a blend of music and sport, allowing him to chase his golfing bucket‑list while entertaining fans worldwide. His enthusiasm for both his music and the game of golf illustrates how a modern artist can balance multiple passions, using the tour’s downtime to explore iconic courses and support the growth of golf for future generations.