World No. 979 Michael Stewart produced a stunning performance on the opening day of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, posting a 65 to move into a tie for the lead.
The 36‑year‑old, who has only competed in five DP World Tour events to date—the most recent being in 2023—took the course just hours after finishing runner‑up at the Tartan Tour’s Duddingston Classic, an appearance he secured through a sponsor’s invitation earlier in the week. Stewart’s round at Carnoustie was highlighted by an extraordinary back‑nine surge.
After a modest start on the front nine, where he recorded a single birdie, he turned his attention to the iconic par‑five 12th hole. There, he holed an eagle that ignited a remarkable run of five holes played at six under par overall. The momentum carried him through the remaining holes, allowing him to finish the day at seven under par without any blemishes on his scorecard.
When asked about his preparation, Stewart admitted he had not taken a dedicated 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 explained.
“I’m just delighted to be part of the tournament. Links golf feels like home to me, and I just played really well all day.” The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is a unique three‑day event that rotates across three historic courses: Carnoustie Golf Links, Kingsbarns Golf Links, and the Old Course at St Andrews, which hosts the final round. In addition to the individual competition, the tournament features a celebrity team component, pairing former sports stars and entertainers with professional golfers.
Among the other competitors, Matt Fitzpatrick—fresh off his fourth victory of the season at the Open de France—carded a four‑under 68 at Carnoustie. His Ryder Cup teammate Tommy Fleetwood was two under par on the same course. Five‑time major champion Brooks Koepka recorded a three‑under 69, while defending champion and Scottish favorite Bob MacIntyre posted a one‑under round. Veterans Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, both returning to the DP World Tour after nearly four years away, logged solid scores as well: Westwood was one under at St Andrews, and Poulter made even par at Carnoustie.
Fellow LIV Golf player Bubba Watson also posted an even‑par round at Carnoustie. The tournament’s format, which blends traditional stroke play with a pro‑am element, showcases the rich heritage of links golf while offering a platform for emerging talent like Stewart to compete alongside established stars. The three‑course rotation tests a player’s versatility, requiring adaptability to the firm, fast‑running fairways of Carnoustie, the coastal winds of Kingsbarns, and the historic nuances of the Old Course at St Andrews. Stewart’s performance is particularly noteworthy given his limited recent exposure to top‑level tour events.
After a hiatus from the DP World Tour, his rapid transition from a regional Scottish tournament to a major international championship underscores his ability to handle pressure and seize opportunities when they arise. His eagle on the 12th hole, a moment that shifted the momentum of his round, exemplifies the kind of bold shotmaking that can propel a relatively unknown player into the spotlight. Looking ahead, the leaderboard remains tightly packed as the field prepares for the second round, which will see players rotate to Kingsbarns and then to St Andrews.
The shifting conditions across the three venues promise to keep the competition dynamic, with wind and weather playing a decisive role in scoring. Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports Golf this Friday, when coverage resumes at midday, featuring live footage from the Old Course, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns. For those interested in experiencing links golf firsthand, a wide range of booking options is available across more than 1,700 courses throughout the UK and Ireland, allowing enthusiasts to play on historic grounds or discover new venues. Overall, Michael Stewart’s breakthrough round adds an exciting storyline to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, illustrating how perseverance, prior experience on Scottish links, and a bit of daring can combine to produce a performance worthy of sharing the leaderboard lead.