World No. 979 Michael Stewart produced a standout performance on the first day of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, posting a 65 to share the top spot after a blistering back‑nine at Carnoustie. The 36‑year‑old, who has only competed in five DP World Tour events to date – his most recent appearance coming in 2023 – was granted a sponsor’s invitation earlier in the week and found himself teeing off less than 24 hours after finishing runner‑up at the Tartan Tour’s Duddingston Classic. Stewart’s round was defined by an explosive finish.
After a modest start on the front nine, where he recorded just a single birdie, he turned his attention to the historic Carnoustie course’s latter half. The pivotal moment arrived on the par‑five 12th hole, where he holed an eagle that sparked a run of five holes played at six under par overall. He closed the round with a flawless seven‑under‑par 65, a score that placed him shoulder‑to‑shoulder with the tournament leaders. When asked about his preparation, Stewart admitted he had not taken a 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 event. I feel right at home with links golf.
I just played really nicely all day." The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is unique in the DP World Tour calendar because it is contested over three of Scotland’s most iconic courses: Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and the Old Course at St Andrews, with the final round traditionally staged on the Old Course. In addition to the individual competition, the tournament also features a celebrity team component, pairing former sports stars and public figures with touring professionals. Other notable performances on the opening day included England’s Matt Fitzpatrick, who arrived in Scotland fresh off 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, making their first DP World Tour appearances in almost four years, also turned heads.
Westwood posted a one‑under‑par round at St Andrews, while Poulter made even par at Carnoustie. Fellow LIV Golf participant Bubba Watson matched Poulter’s even‑par score at Carnoustie, underscoring the depth of talent in the field. The tournament’s format, which rotates play among the three courses over the four‑day event, tests a wide range of golfing skills.
Carnoustie is renowned for its demanding bunkers and unpredictable coastal winds, Kingsbarns offers a more open, seaside layout with dramatic cliffs, and the Old Course at St Andrews is celebrated for its historic landmarks and strategic blind shots. Competitors must adapt quickly to varying conditions, making consistency across all venues essential for a shot at the title. Stewart’s unexpected surge into the lead group has added an intriguing storyline to the championship.
Despite his relatively limited experience on the DP World Tour, his recent form on the Tartan Tour and his ability to produce low scores under pressure suggest he could be a dark horse as the tournament progresses. His performance also highlights the value of sponsor invitations, which allow emerging talents to compete alongside established stars and potentially accelerate their careers. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports Golf, with coverage of the final round on the Old Course at St Andrews scheduled for Friday at midday. The broadcast will showcase not only the elite competition but also the scenic beauty of Scotland’s coastal links, offering viewers a glimpse of the sport’s most revered settings.
For golfers looking to experience a taste of championship‑level links golf, a wide selection of courses across the UK and Ireland is available for booking. With over 1,700 courses listed, players can search by course name, city, or postal code to find the perfect venue for a round of golf, whether they seek the challenge of a historic links layout or a more contemporary parkland experience. Overall, the first day of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship has set the stage for a thrilling contest, with Michael Stewart’s remarkable 65 providing a compelling narrative of perseverance, skill, and the unpredictable nature of links golf.
As the field moves onto Kingsbarns and ultimately the Old Course, spectators can anticipate further excitement, strategic drama, and perhaps more surprise performances from under‑the‑radar players aiming to make their mark on one of the sport’s most storied stages.