World No. 979 Michael Stewart delivered a standout performance on the opening day of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, posting a 65 to share the top spot after the first round. The 36‑year‑old, who has only appeared in five DP World Tour events – his most recent outing being in 2023 – entered the tournament less than a day after finishing runner‑up at the Tartan Tour's Duddingston Classic, having secured a sponsor's invitation earlier in the week.
Stewart's round was defined by an extraordinary back‑nine at Carnoustie. After a modest start, he surged forward with an eagle on the par‑five 12th hole, a moment that sparked a run of five holes played at six under par overall.
He capped the back‑nine with a flawless seven‑under‑par score, having recorded just a single birdie on the front nine. When asked about his preparation, Stewart admitted he had not taken a dedicated practice round at 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. "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 that it rotates across three historic courses – Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and the Old Course at St Andrews – with the final day traditionally held on the iconic 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 atmosphere to the event.
Other notable performances on the first day 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‑par 68 at Carnoustie, while his Ryder Cup teammate Tommy Fleetwood posted a two‑under‑par 70 on the same layout. Five‑time major champion Brooks Koepka was three under after a 69, and defending champion and Scottish favourite Bob MacIntyre recorded a one‑under‑par 71.
Veterans Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, both making their first DP World Tour appearances in nearly four years, also featured on the leaderboard. Westwood shot a one‑under‑par round at St Andrews, and Poulter posted an even‑par 72 at Carnoustie.
Fellow LIV Golf participant Bubba Watson matched Poulter with an even‑par round at Carnoustie. The tournament's format, which blends three distinct links courses, tests a player's adaptability to varying conditions – from the firm, fast‑running fairways of Carnoustie to the strategic, wind‑swept challenges of St Andrews and the more forgiving layout of Kingsbarns.
Competitors must adjust their shot selection, club choice, and mental approach to succeed across the diverse settings. Stewart's rapid ascent into the lead underscores the depth of talent present on the DP World Tour and highlights how a player with limited recent tour experience can still compete at the highest level when given the right opportunity.
His performance also illustrates the importance of momentum; the confidence gained from his near‑victory at the Duddingston Classic clearly carried over into his play at Carnoustie. Looking ahead, the tournament will continue over the remaining two courses, with the final round set on the Old Course at St Andrews – a venue steeped in golfing history and known for its demanding yet rewarding layout. Fans can tune in to Sky Sports Golf on Friday at midday to watch the culmination of the competition, which promises to deliver dramatic finishes and memorable moments. For golf enthusiasts seeking to experience world‑class courses themselves, a wide range of booking options is available across the United Kingdom and Ireland, with over 1,700 courses offering tee times.
Whether planning a weekend round or a full‑day outing, players can search by course name, city, or postal code to find the perfect venue. In summary, Michael Stewart's impressive 65 on day one not only placed him among the leaders but also demonstrated his ability to thrive under pressure and adapt quickly to the challenges of links golf. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether he can maintain his momentum and contend for the title against a field that includes seasoned major winners, rising stars, and seasoned tour veterans.