Niall Horan’s golf handicap has slipped a bit after a hectic start to 2026, but the internationally‑famous singer is hopeful that his forthcoming world tour will free up more opportunities to get back on the links. Earlier this week the former One Direction front‑man headlined the pro‑am at Royal Lytham & St Annes, the venue that will host the AIG Women’s Open, with the event 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. Horan is a passionate golfer who entered the pro‑am playing off a ten‑handicap, a figure that has risen from his usual "around eight" when he can swing a club more regularly.
He expressed genuine excitement at the chance to play one of the most storied courses on the Open circuit. "I’d never had the privilege of playing this place before and Royal Lytham & St Annes is obviously one of those bucket‑list venues," he told Sky Sports.
"I loved it. To be here in tournament conditions, just before the AIG Women’s Open, was an incredible experience. It’s a demanding test that will make for a great championship.
I played alright, considering the lack of golf in my life at the moment." The timing of the pro‑am coincided with the promotion of Horan’s fourth studio album, Dinner Party, which dropped on June 5. The record has already secured a No. 1 spot in several markets, leaving the artist with very little downtime for his other passion.
"I’ve probably played six rounds this year, which isn’t a lot for my handicap," he admitted. "The shortage of golf has cost me a couple of strokes. I’ve been busy, so I haven’t been able to hit the course as often as I’d like.
I could shoot six or seven over par, or I could end up in the mid‑eighties – it’s a tough spot for me to get back into." Horan likened his occasional returns to the game to picking up a set of sledgehammers after a break – heavy and awkward at first – but he is confident that the rhythm will return in the coming weeks. "I have some days off now before rehearsals for the tour start, so I might squeeze in a few more rounds," he said.
The "Dinner Party Live on Tour" schedule kicks off in Birmingham on September 22 and will sweep across the United Kingdom, Ireland and mainland Europe throughout the autumn. The itinerary then heads down under in February, followed by a North‑American leg from March through May. Horan explained how the structure of a tour actually benefits his golfing ambitions: "Funnily enough, when you’re on tour I know exactly what my days look like and everything is planned.
I can actually fit in a bit more golf than when I’m stuck in a promotional grind. I’ll try to get ahead now that I see the schedule and tick off a few courses along the way." He is especially eager to return to Australia, hoping to play on the famed Sandbelt courses. "I played Royal Melbourne the last time I was there, so getting out to Kingston Heath or a similar venue would be brilliant," he enthused. "Then in the States I’ll have to think carefully.
On tour, my days off are chosen based on where there’s good golf – that’s the truth!" Beyond his personal game, Horan is deeply involved in the sport’s development. He founded Modest! Golf and has served as an R&A ambassador since 2021, regularly championing the benefits of golf for people of all ages and abilities. His advocacy aligns with the rapid growth of the AIG Women’s Open, which has seen its prize fund more than triple since the tournament was last held at Royal Lytham in 2018.
Horan praised the event’s expansion, noting, "It’s amazing – over the past five or six years the Women’s Open has become massive. The quality of the women’s game has never been higher, and the tournament reflects that with huge sponsorship and a record purse. The players deserve it." Sky Sports continues to be the exclusive broadcaster of the AIG Women’s Open in the UK and Ireland, offering a new "Featured Groups" segment that begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, with full coverage launching at 1 p.m.
and live rounds three and four airing from midday over the weekend. Fans can watch the competition live on Sky Sports Golf or stream via the provider’s contract‑free service.
In summary, while Horan’s busy schedule has temporarily inflated his handicap, his upcoming tour provides a built‑in framework for more frequent golfing stops. Whether teeing off on the historic fairways of Royal Lytham, the lush fairways of the Australian Sandbelt, or the celebrated courses of the United States, the singer‑songwriter is determined to blend his musical commitments with his love of the game, turning each tour break into an opportunity to chase lower scores and enjoy the sport he champions.