World No 979 Michael Stewart delivered a standout performance on the opening day of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, posting a 65 that catapulted him into a shared lead. The 36‑year‑old, who has only competed in five DP World Tour events to date—the most recent being in 2023—found himself teeing off less than a full day after finishing runner‑up at the Tartan Tour's Duddingston Classic, a tournament he entered thanks to a sponsor's invitation earlier in the week. Stewart's round at Carnoustie was defined by a spectacular back‑nine surge.
After a modest start on the front nine, where he recorded a single birdie, he unleashed a flurry of low scores that saw him post seven under par without a single blemish. The turning point came on the par‑five 12th hole, where an eagle ignited a streak of five holes played at six under par overall. This remarkable run included a series of birdies and the pivotal eagle, which together transformed his scorecard and vaulted him into a tie for the lead. When asked about his preparation, Stewart admitted he had not taken a traditional practice round.
"It's easy to get yourself up for this event. I played Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday [at Duddingston] but I've played a lot here in the past," he explained, noting his familiarity with the links environment despite the compressed schedule.
He added, "Just delighted to be able to be part of the event. I feel right at home with links golf.
I just played really nice all day." The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is unique in its format, rotating across three historic courses: Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and the iconic Old Course at St Andrews, with the final day reserved for the Old Course. In addition to the individual competition, the tournament features a team component that pairs current tour professionals with former sports stars and celebrities, adding a festive, crossover appeal. Other notable performances on the first day included Matt Fitzpatrick, who arrived in Scotland riding the momentum of his fourth victory of the year at the Open de France.
Fitzpatrick carded a four‑under 68 at Carnoustie, while his Ryder Cup teammate Tommy Fleetwood posted a two‑under round on the same course. Five‑time major champion Brooks Koepka also made his presence felt, recording a 69 that left him three under par for the day.
Defending champion and local favorite Bob MacIntyre was one under at Carnoustie, showing that the home crowd had a contender to rally behind. Veteran Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, both making their first DP World Tour appearances in nearly four years, added intrigue to the leaderboard.
Westwood posted a one‑under round at St Andrews, while Poulter recorded even par at Carnoustie. Fellow LIV Golf participant Bubba Watson also posted an even‑par round at Carnoustie, underscoring the depth of talent gathered for the event. The tournament's structure, which blends three world‑renowned links courses, demands a versatile skill set. Carnoustie is known for its brutal rough and unforgiving bunkers, Kingsbarns offers sweeping coastal vistas and strategic shot‑making opportunities, and the Old Course at St Andrews, often called the "home of golf," tests a player's strategic acumen with its famous double greens and deep pot bunkers.
Players must adapt quickly to varying conditions, from the wind‑swept dunes of Kingsbarns to the firm, fast fairways of St Andrews. Stewart's ability to navigate these challenges, particularly his aggressive play on the back nine at Carnoustie, highlights his potential to become a regular contender on the DP World Tour. His performance also demonstrates how a player can leverage recent competitive experience—in his case, the Duddingston Classic—to maintain sharpness and confidence despite limited recent tour exposure.
Fans can continue to follow the action as the tournament moves to Kingsbarns and ultimately to the Old Course at St Andrews for the final day. Live coverage will be available on Sky Sports Golf starting Friday at midday, offering viewers the chance to watch the drama unfold across the three iconic venues. For those inspired to experience links golf themselves, there are opportunities to book a round at any of the 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland.
Simply enter a course name, city, or postal code to find the best rates and secure a tee time. Overall, Michael Stewart's breakthrough round not only puts him in contention for the title but also adds a compelling storyline to a tournament already rich with history, star power, and the timeless allure of links golf.