Michael Stewart, currently ranked 979th in the world, delivered an impressive performance in the opening round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, posting a 65 to share the top spot. The 36‑year‑old’s achievement is particularly striking given his limited recent experience on the DP World Tour – he has competed in only five events, the most recent of which took place in 2023. Stewart’s schedule was exceptionally tight: he arrived at Carnoustie less than a day after finishing runner‑up at the Tartan Tour’s Duddingston Classic, a tournament he entered after receiving a sponsor’s invitation earlier in the week.
Stewart’s round was defined by a spectacular back‑nine surge at the historic Carnoustie Golf Links. The turning point came on the par‑five 12th, where he holed an eagle that sparked a run of five holes in which he was six strokes under par. Apart from that single birdie on the front nine, he navigated the remaining holes flawlessly, ending the round at seven under par without any blemishes. When asked about his preparation, Stewart explained that he had not taken a formal practice round at Carnoustie.
"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 said, emphasizing his familiarity with links courses.
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 iconic Scottish venues: Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and the Old Course at St Andrews, with the final day traditionally held on the Old Course. 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, cross‑disciplinary flavor to the event.
Other notable performances in the opening round included Matt Fitzpatrick, who arrived in Scotland fresh from 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 recorded a three‑under 69, and defending champion and local favorite Bob MacIntyre was one under par. Veteran players Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, both making their first DP World Tour appearances in nearly four years, also featured in the opening day action. Westwood shot one under at St Andrews, while Poulter made even par at Carnoustie. Fellow LIV Golf participant Bubba Watson matched Poulter’s even‑par score at Carnoustie, highlighting the depth of talent in the field.
The tournament’s multi‑course layout demands versatility from the competitors. Carnoustie is known for its brutal rough and demanding bunkers, Kingsbarns offers a more forgiving but still challenging seaside layout, and the Old Course at St Andrews tests a player’s strategic thinking with its famous double greens and historic landmarks. Success across all three venues requires a blend of power, precision, and a keen understanding of wind and weather conditions that are typical of the Scottish coast. Stewart’s rapid rise from a relatively obscure ranking to sharing the lead underscores the unpredictable nature of golf, where a single round of inspired play can catapult a player into the spotlight.
His performance also serves as a reminder that experience on links courses, even if accumulated over years of amateur play or occasional professional outings, can be a decisive factor when the stakes are high. For fans eager to follow the action, Sky Sports Golf will broadcast the remainder of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, with coverage of the final day at St Andrews slated for Friday at midday.
The event not only showcases elite professional golf but also provides an opportunity for spectators to experience the storied landscapes of three of the world’s most revered courses. If you’re inspired to try your hand at links golf yourself, there are more than 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland where you can book a round.
Whether you’re searching by course name, city, or postal code, you’ll find a wide range of options to suit every skill level and budget. In summary, Michael Stewart’s 65 at Carnoustie is a testament to his skill, resilience, and familiarity with the nuances of links golf. His ability to produce an eagle on a demanding par‑five and then sustain a flawless stretch of under‑par holes demonstrates why the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship remains one of the most exciting and unpredictable events on the DP World Tour calendar.