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 a brilliant first round. The 36‑year‑old, who has only appeared in five DP World Tour events – his most recent outing was in 2023 – found himself teeing off less than 24 hours after finishing runner‑up in 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 an extraordinary back‑nine at Carnoustie.
After a steady front‑nine that yielded just a single birdie, he surged forward on the second half of the course, highlighted by an eagle on the par‑five 12th hole. That eagle sparked a run of five holes in which he posted six strokes under par, propelling him to a flawless seven‑under‑par total for the day. 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,” he said. “I played Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday at Duddingston, but I’ve played a lot here in the past, so I felt comfortable walking onto the first tee without a full practice round.” He added that the links atmosphere felt like home to him.
“I’m just delighted 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 is contested over three historic courses – Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and the Old Course at St Andrews – with the final round traditionally staged on the famed 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 week‑long event.
Other notable performances on the first day included England’s Matt Fitzpatrick, who arrived in Scotland fresh off his fourth victory of the season 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 solid 69, and defending champion and Scottish favorite Bob MacIntyre recorded a one‑under‑par 71. Veteran golfers Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, both making their first DP World Tour appearances in almost four years, also featured on the leaderboard.
Westwood posted a one‑under‑par round at St Andrews, while Poulter posted an even‑par 72 at Carnoustie. Fellow LIV Golf participant Bubba Watson matched Poulter’s even‑par effort at Carnoustie, underscoring the depth of talent spread across the field. The tournament’s format, which rotates the field among three of the world’s most celebrated links courses, tests a player’s adaptability to varying wind conditions, firm fairways, and the strategic demands of classic links design. Carnoustie, known for its brutal rough and penal bunkers, often rewards precise ball‑striking and strategic course management, while Kingsbarns offers a more forgiving but still challenging seaside layout.
The Old Course at St Andrews, with its iconic double‑green and historic landmarks, demands a blend of creativity and respect for tradition. Stewart’s rapid ascent from a relatively low‑profile schedule to sharing the lead demonstrates how a player can leverage prior experience on links terrain, even without a full practice round. His eagle on the 12th was the turning point; the hole, a long par‑five that typically demands a well‑placed tee shot and a strategic approach, allowed Stewart to capitalize on a favorable wind and a precise iron shot that set up his short‑game for the decisive putt. The tournament continues to attract a mix of seasoned tour veterans, rising stars, and celebrity participants, creating a vibrant atmosphere both for competitors and spectators.
Fans can follow the action on Sky Sports Golf, where coverage of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship will feature live broadcasts from the Old Course, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns, with commentary highlighting the strategic nuances of each venue. For golfers looking to experience the same historic courses, a wide range of booking options are available across the United Kingdom and Ireland, with over 1,700 courses offering tee times. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend enthusiast, the chance to walk the fairways of Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, or St Andrews provides an unforgettable link‑golf experience. As the tournament progresses into its second round, all eyes will be on Stewart to see if he can maintain his momentum and challenge for the title.
His performance thus far suggests that, despite limited recent tour exposure, his skill set and comfort on links courses could make him a dark horse contender as the field narrows and the final day approaches on the hallowed grounds of the Old Course at St Andrews.