World No 979 Stewart claims share of Alfred Dunhill Links lead

Alfred Dunhill Links Championship: World No 979 Michael Stewart claims share of lead with Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood further back The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is played over three courses – Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and St Andrews with the Old Course hosting the final day – and also incorporates a team event with a number of former sports stars and celebrities paired with the professionals Thursday 1 October 2026 18:39, UK World No 979 Michael Stewart outscored a big-name field to share 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 - the last in 2023 - and teed off less than 24 hours after finishing second in the Tartan Tour's Duddingston Classic having received a sponsor's invite earlier this week. He had a remarkable back nine at Carnoustie, where an eagle at the par-five 12th was the catalyst to play five holes in six under par. - Alfred Dunhill Links Championship [External Leaderboard] - DP World Tour: Latest headlines, reports, highlights - Get the latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract With a solitary birdie on the front nine he finished with a blemish-free seven under. "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," said Stewart on his lack of a practice round. "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 tournament is played over three courses - Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and St Andrews with the Old Course hosting the final day - and also incorporates a team event with a number of former sports stars and celebrities paired with the professionals. Matt Fitzpatrick, who arrived in Scotland off the back of his fourth win of the year at the Open de France, shot a four-under 68 at Carnoustie, with Ryder Cup team-mate Tommy Fleetwood two under at the same course. Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka was three under after a 69 at Carnoustie, while defending champion and home favourite Bob MacIntyre was one under at the same course. Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, on their first DP World Tour appearances in almost four years, shot one under at St Andrews and level par at Carnoustie respectively with fellow LIV golfer Bubba Watson also level at Carnoustie. Watch the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship played over the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie Golf Links and Kingsbarn Golf Links on Sky Sports Golf this Friday from midday. Get the best prices and book a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK & Ireland