World No. 979 Michael Stewart delivered a stunning performance in the opening round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, posting a 65 to share the top spot on the leaderboard. The 36‑year‑old, who has only competed in five DP World Tour events to date—the most recent being in 2023—took to the tees less than a 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 was highlighted by a spectacular back‑nine at Carnoustie, where an eagle on the par‑five 12th hole sparked a run of five holes in which he was six under par. After a solitary birdie on the front nine, he closed the round with a flawless seven‑under‑par 65, leaving him tied for the lead alongside several established names.
When asked about his preparation, Stewart admitted he had not taken a formal 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. "I’m just delighted to be part of the tournament.
I feel right at home with links golf. I just played really nicely all day." The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is a unique three‑day event that rotates across three historic courses: Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and the Old Course at St Andrews, with the final round traditionally held on the iconic Old Course.
In addition to the individual competition, the tournament features a celebrity team component, pairing former sports stars and public figures with professional golfers. Among the other competitors, Matt Fitzpatrick—fresh off his fourth victory of the year at the Open de France—recorded a four‑under‑par 68 at Carnoustie.
His Ryder Cup teammate Tommy Fleetwood posted a two‑under‑par round on the same course. Five‑time major champion Brooks Koepka was three under after a 69, while defending champion and Scottish favourite Bob MacIntyre carded a one‑under‑par 71.
Veteran Lee Westwood and fellow Englishman Ian Poulter, both making their first DP World Tour appearances in nearly four years, posted respectable scores: Westwood was one under at St Andrews, and Poulter made even par at Carnoustie. LIV Golf participant Bubba Watson also recorded an even‑par round at Carnoustie.
The tournament’s format, which blends individual stroke play with a pro‑am team competition, adds a festive atmosphere to the traditional links setting. Spectators can enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Scottish coastline while watching world‑class talent navigate the challenging, wind‑swept fairways and deep bunkers that define links golf.
Stewart’s breakthrough performance is particularly noteworthy given his limited recent exposure to top‑level tour events. His ability to transition from a regional Scottish tournament to a major European Tour event in under 24 hours underscores his adaptability and composure under pressure. The eagle on the 12th hole—an impressive feat on a hole that typically demands precision off the tee and a strategic approach shot—served as the turning point of his round, allowing him to capitalize on momentum and string together a series of low scores. Beyond the immediate leaderboard implications, Stewart’s showing may have broader ramifications for his career trajectory.
A strong finish at a high‑profile event like the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship could attract additional sponsor interest, potentially granting him more entry opportunities into DP World Tour events and further solidifying his status as a rising talent. Fans eager to follow the action can tune in to Sky Sports Golf on Friday at midday, when coverage of the tournament across the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie Golf Links, and Kingsbarns Golf Links will resume. The broadcast will feature live footage, expert analysis, and updates on the shifting leaderboard as the competition moves into its second round. For those inspired to experience links golf themselves, a wide selection of courses across the United Kingdom and Ireland is available for booking.
With over 1,700 courses offering tee times, golfers can search by course name, city, or postal code to find the perfect venue for a round of golf. In summary, Michael Stewart’s impressive 65 at Carnoustie not only placed him atop the leaderboard but also highlighted his potential to compete with the sport’s elite.
His performance, combined with the rich tradition and scenic beauty of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, promises an exciting tournament ahead as the field converges on the storied Old Course for the final day of competition.