Michael Stewart, ranked World No 979, has shared the lead at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship after a first-round 65. The 36-year-old has played only five DP World Tour events since 2023 and teed off less than 24 hours after finishing second in the Tartan Tour’s Duddingston Classic.
Stewart’s round included an eagle at the par-five 12th hole at Carnoustie, which sparked a stretch of five holes in six under par on the back nine. He added a solitary birdie on the front nine to finish blemish-free at seven under.
“It’s easy to get yourself up for this event,” Stewart said. “I played Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday [at Duddingston] but I’ve played a lot here in the past. 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 Field Around Him
The tournament runs over three courses: Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and St Andrews, with the Old Course hosting the final day. It also includes a team event pairing professionals with former sports stars and celebrities.
Matt Fitzpatrick, fresh off his fourth win of the year at the Open de France, shot a four-under 68 at Carnoustie. Ryder Cup team-mate Tommy Fleetwood was two under at the same course.
Brooks Koepka, a five-time major winner, was three under after a 69 at Carnoustie. Defending champion and home favourite Bob MacIntyre was one under at the same course.
Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter made their first DP World Tour appearances in almost four years. Westwood shot one under at St Andrews while Poulter was level par at Carnoustie. Fellow LIV golfer Bubba Watson was also level at Carnoustie.
A Round Built on the Back Nine
Stewart’s day started with a birdie on the front nine, giving him a small cushion before his late run took hold. The eagle at the 12th set the tone for the back nine, where he played five holes in six under par.
His round was free of mistakes, which is notable for a player who has not competed regularly on the DP World Tour. Stewart said his familiarity with links golf helped settle him into the course.
“I feel right at home with links golf,” he said. “I just played really nice all day.”
How the Round Unfolded
Stewart’s round was built on consistency rather than drama. The birdie on the front nine kept him in contention early, and the eagle at the 12th gave him the momentum he needed to close the back nine strongly.
The five holes in six under par were the highlight of his round. That stretch carried him to the top of the leaderboard, alongside Matt Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick’s four-under 68 was a solid start, though he trailed Stewart by a stroke heading into the weekend. Fleetwood’s two-under round kept him further back, with Koepka and MacIntyre also in the mix at Carnoustie.
Westwood and Poulter both showed flashes of form, with Westwood’s one-under round at St Andrews. Watson’s level par performance kept him in touch with the leaders.
What Happens Next
The championship moves to the Old Course at St Andrews for the final day, with the field set to compete for the title on Friday. Sky Sports Golf is carrying coverage of the event, with broadcast starting from midday.
Stewart will need to maintain his form to hold on to the lead. Fitzpatrick, Fleetwood, Koepka and MacIntyre all have reasons to believe they can catch him.
The team event adds a layer of spectacle to the weekend. Former sports stars and celebrities will tee off alongside the professionals, making for a unique viewing experience.
For now, Stewart holds the spotlight. His rise from World No 979 to the top of the leaderboard has been swift.
Key Facts
- Round: First round, 65 (-7)
- Course: Carnoustie
- Field: Matt Fitzpatrick (-4), Tommy Fleetwood (-2), Brooks Koepka (-3), Bob MacIntyre (-1)
- Others: Lee Westwood (+1 at St Andrews), Ian Poulter (level par), Bubba Watson (level par)
- Broadcast: Sky Sports Golf, Friday midday onwards
The championship continues on Friday, with the Old Course hosting the final day. Stewart will look to defend his lead, while the rest of the field will try to chase him down.
Source material: “World No 979 Stewart claims share of Alfred Dunhill Links lead,” Sky Sports.
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