Michael Stewart shares Dunhill Links lead after Carnoustie 65

Michael Stewart moved into a share of the first-round lead at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship after shooting a seven-under-par 65 at Carnoustie. The Scot, ranked 979th in the world, finished alongside Australia's Jack Buchanan, who reached the same score at Kingsbarns, BBC Sport reported. South Africans MJ Daffue and Casey Jarvis were their nearest challengers, one stroke behind.

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Stewart's start came after an unusually quick turnaround between tournaments. The 36-year-old received a sponsor's invitation this week and began his round less than 24 hours after finishing runner-up in the Tartan Tour's Duddingston Classic. According to the BBC's report, he had made only five previous appearances on the main European circuit, with his most recent coming in 2023.

His round gathered pace on the back nine after he made just one birdie before the turn. An eagle at the par-five 12th helped launch the scoring surge that carried him to the top of the leaderboard. Stewart said his accuracy had given him opportunities throughout the day before his putting improved on the inward half. He also pointed to his upbringing on a links course and his familiarity with the event.

Matt Fitzpatrick opened with a four-under 68, leaving him three shots behind the leaders as he sought a fifth victory of the year. The Englishman arrived after winning the French Open the previous week. Brooks Koepka returned a 69 at Carnoustie to stand three under, one stroke ahead of Tommy Fleetwood. Defending champion Robert MacIntyre was one under at the same venue.

MacIntyre's round also brought an intervention from officials after he became angry about a broadcast drone at the par-three eighth, his penultimate hole. He said he had raised the issue twice before playing the shot. Tyrrell Hatton was frustrated at that hole too, repeatedly striking the sand with his club after a bunker shot went through the green. Hatton finished with a two-over 74.

Elsewhere, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter made their first DP World Tour appearances since January 2023, following their moves to LIV Golf in 2022. Westwood finished one under. The opening day's play was spread across Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and St Andrews, with the tournament also featuring a team competition pairing professionals with celebrities and former sports stars.