The 25th edition of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship opened across Scotland with a 5.000.000 dollar prize fund on the line, as local circuit regular Michael Stewart and Australian player Jack Buchanan shared the first-round lead at seven under par. The tournament runs from October 1 to October 4, bringing a field of 168 players across three distinct links venues.
Three Iconic Scotland Links Open Play
Play across the opening round was distributed across three renowned Scottish courses: the Old Course at St Andrews measuring 7.318 yards, Kingsbarns at 7.227 yards, and Carnoustie at 7.402 yards. The championship features a total purse of 5.000.000 dollars, with 850.000 dollars reserved for the individual winner. Among the 168-player field are 23 golfers from the top 50 of the Race to Dubai alongside 25 competitors from the LIV Golf League, according to tournament records.
Michael Stewart and Jack Buchanan Share the Pace
Michael Stewart, a 36-year-old Scottish player competing on regional circuits, posted a seven-under-par round of 65 at Carnoustie just 24 hours after finishing second at the Duddingston Classic on the Tartan Tour. «I feel at home playing golf on links courses. I grew up on a course like this and I don’t mind the wind», Stewart stated regarding his opening effort. He shares the overnight lead with Australia’s Jack Buchanan, who also carded a 65 over the Kingsbarns layout.
Chasing Pack Led by South Africans and Major Champions
A group of seven South African players, including Casey Jarvis and MJ Daffue, sit one stroke behind the leading pair at six under par. Meanwhile, global contenders are positioned within striking distance. English golfer Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2023 tournament champion and world number four, carded a first-round 68 to move three shots off the pace. American player Brooks Koepka sits one stroke further back as he pursues his first victory in the event.
Pro-Am Team Competition and Notable Debuts
Running concurrently with the individual stroke-play tournament is the Pro-Am team championship, where professionals pair with celebrity amateurs across the three courses. Spaniard Iván Cantero and partner Thomas Jermoluk sit co-leaders in the team standings at twelve under par, sharing the position with MJ Daffue and amateur partner Paul Harris. Former professional football player James Milner made his tournament debut alongside professional Sean Crocker on the Old Course at St Andrews, finishing the first day at ten under par in the team classification.
Field Rotates Through Courses Before Sunday Final Round
The 72-hole stroke play event requires the field to rotate through St Andrews, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns over the first three days. Following the conclusion of Saturday’s third round, a cut will reduce the individual field to the top 60 professionals and ties, alongside the top 20 Pro-Am teams. The final round will take place entirely on the Old Course at St Andrews on Sunday, October 4.
Worth a look
