World No. 979 Michael Stewart delivered a standout performance in the opening round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, posting a 65 to share the top spot after his first nine holes at Carnoustie. The 36‑year‑old, who has only competed in five DP World Tour events to date – his most recent appearance being in 2023 – found himself teeing off less than a day after finishing runner‑up at 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 explosive back‑nine at Carnoustie. He seized an eagle on the par‑five 12th hole, a pivotal moment that propelled him into a streak of five holes played at six under par overall.
After a modest front‑nine that yielded just a single birdie, he closed the round with a flawless seven‑under‑par 65, a score that placed him squarely among the leaders. When asked about his preparation, Stewart explained that he had not taken a traditional practice round.
"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 said, emphasizing his familiarity with the Scottish links. "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 its format, rotating across three historic courses: Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and the legendary Old Course at St Andrews, which hosts the final day of competition.
In addition to the individual stroke‑play contest, the tournament features a team component that pairs professional golfers with former athletes and celebrities, adding a festive, cross‑sport dimension to the event. Other notable performances on the first day included Matt Fitzpatrick, who arrived in Scotland fresh off his fourth victory of the season at the Open de France. Fitzpatrick carded a four‑under 68 at Carnoustie, while his Ryder Cup teammate Tommy Fleetwood posted a two‑under 70 on the same course.
Five‑time major champion Brooks Koepka was three under after a 69, and defending champion and Scottish favourite Bob MacIntyre recorded a one‑under 71. Veteran players Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, making their first DP World Tour appearances in almost four years, also made their presence felt.
Westwood posted a one‑under 71 at St Andrews, while Poulter carded an even‑par round at Carnoustie. Fellow LIV Golf participant Bubba Watson matched Poulter with an even‑par 72 at Carnoustie.
The tournament's three‑course layout tests a wide range of skills. Carnoustie is renowned for its demanding bunkers and fast, undulating fairways, demanding precise distance control and strategic shot‑making. Kingsbarns, with its seaside setting, offers dramatic views and a more open layout that rewards bold play. The Old Course at St Andrews, often described as the "home of golf," presents its own set of challenges, including the famous Swilcan Bridge, the daunting Road Hole, and the ever‑present wind that can dramatically alter club selection.
Stewart's ability to navigate Carnoustie's tricky back‑nine with such fluency suggests a natural aptitude for links golf, a style that emphasizes creativity, low‑trajectory shots, and the skill to read the contours of the ground. His eagle on the 12th hole, a par‑five that typically demands a well‑placed tee shot followed by a precise approach, demonstrated both power and finesse.
By capitalizing on the hole's layout, he was able to reach the green in two and finish with a decisive putt. The significance of Stewart's performance extends beyond the scorecard. As a player who has only sporadically appeared on the DP World Tour, his rapid ascent to the top of the leaderboard underscores the depth of talent present in the wider golfing community.
It also highlights the importance of sponsor invitations and secondary tours, such as the Tartan Tour, in providing competitive opportunities for emerging players. Looking ahead, the field will continue to battle across the remaining two courses, with the final round slated for the Old Course at St Andrews. Golf enthusiasts can follow the action live on Sky Sports Golf this Friday from midday, where the drama of the links will unfold under the watchful eyes of fans worldwide.
For those inspired by the tournament and looking to experience world‑class golf themselves, there are more than 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland where you can book a round. Whether you prefer the historic charm of a traditional links layout or the lush fairways of a modern parkland course, the options are plentiful. To find a venue near you, simply enter a course name, city, or postal code into the search tool on the booking platform. In summary, Michael Stewart's remarkable first‑round 65 at Carnoustie not only placed him among the leaders of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship but also served as a reminder of the unpredictable and thrilling nature of links golf.
His performance, combined with strong showings from seasoned professionals and rising stars alike, sets the stage for a compelling tournament as the competition moves to Kingsbarns and culminates on the storied fairways of St Andrews.