World No. 979 Michael Stewart delivered a stunning performance on the first day of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, posting a 65 to move into a tie for the lead. The 36‑year‑old, who has only competed in five DP World Tour events — his most recent appearance being in 2023 — entered the tournament on the back of a runner‑up finish at the Tartan Tour's Duddingston Classic, a result that earned him a sponsor's invitation just a day before teeing off. Stewart’s round at Carnoustie was highlighted by an extraordinary back‑nine surge.
After a modest start on the front nine, where he recorded a single birdie, he turned his attention to the more demanding latter half of the course. The turning point came on the par‑five 12th hole, where he holed an eagle that sparked a remarkable stretch of play: he managed to score five under par across the next six holes, ultimately finishing the day at seven under without a single mistake blemishing his card. When asked about his preparation, Stewart admitted he had not taken a practice round at Carnoustie, relying instead on his familiarity with the venue.
"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. "I’m just delighted to be part of the event. I feel right at home with links golf.
I just played really nicely all day." The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is unique in its format, rotating across three historic Scottish courses: Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, and the iconic Old Course at St Andrews, which hosts the final round. In addition to the individual competition, the tournament features a team component that pairs professional golfers with former sports stars and celebrities, adding a festive atmosphere to the serious business of world‑class golf. Other notable performances on the opening day included Matt Fitzpatrick, who arrived in Scotland fresh off his fourth victory of the season 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 for the day. Defending champion and Scottish favorite Bob MacIntyre was one under at Carnoustie, showing that the home crowd had plenty to cheer.
Veteran players Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, both making their first DP World Tour appearances in nearly four years, contributed solid scores as well. Westwood posted a one‑under round at St Andrews, while Poulter carded an even‑par round at Carnoustie. Fellow LIV Golf participant Bubba Watson also recorded an even‑par 72 at Carnoustie, indicating that the field was competitive across the board.
The tournament’s three‑course rotation provides a varied test of skill, demanding adaptability from the players. Carnoustie, known for its brutal rough and deep bunkers, challenges precision off the tee and demands careful navigation of its demanding greens. Kingsbarns, with its coastal winds and undulating fairways, requires strategic shot‑making, while the Old Course at St Andrews, often called the "home of golf," tests a player’s ability to manage historic holes that have been played by the sport’s legends for centuries.
Stewart’s breakthrough performance is especially noteworthy given his limited recent tour experience. After a long hiatus from the DP World Tour, his invitation to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship offered a rare opportunity to showcase his talent on a global stage. By capitalizing on his familiarity with links conditions and delivering a flawless round, he demonstrated that he can compete with the world’s elite despite a sparse schedule. Looking ahead, the tournament will continue over the next two days, with players rotating through Kingsbarns and St Andrews before returning to Carnoustie for the final round on the Old Course.
The stakes are high, as the championship not only offers a substantial purse but also a coveted place in the European Tour’s season‑ending rankings. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports Golf, with coverage slated to begin at midday on Friday. For golf enthusiasts interested in experiencing the same courses, a wide selection of booking options is available across the UK and Ireland, with over 1,700 courses listed for reservation. Whether you’re planning a weekend round at a local club or dreaming of playing the historic links of Scotland, the platform provides tools to search by course name, city, or postal code, ensuring that every golfer can find a suitable venue.
In summary, Michael Stewart’s first‑round 65 at Carnoustie has placed him among the leaders of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, a tournament that blends tradition, competition, and celebrity flair. As the field heads into the next stages, the drama promises to intensify, with seasoned champions and rising talents alike vying for the coveted title on some of the world’s most revered golf courses.