Michael Stewart and Jack Buchanan share Alfred Dunhill Links lead

Michael Stewart, ranked 979th in the world, shot a seven-under-par 65 at Carnoustie to share the first-round lead at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship with Australia's Jack Buchanan. According to BBC Sport's report, Buchanan matched that total at Kingsbarns, putting the pair one stroke ahead of South Africans MJ Daffue and Casey Jarvis.

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Stewart arrived with little recent experience on the main European circuit. The 36-year-old Scot had made only five appearances there, the most recent in 2023, and entered this week's tournament on a sponsor's invitation. His opening round came less than 24 hours after he finished second in the Tartan Tour's Duddingston Classic, following three days of play at that event.

A single birdie on the front nine gave Stewart a quieter start before his scoring accelerated after the turn. An eagle at the par-five 12th was central to his back-nine surge. Speaking after the round, he credited accurate driving, consistent approach play and an improvement with the putter. He also pointed to his upbringing on a links course and his familiarity with the event.

Matt Fitzpatrick, seeking a fifth victory of the year after winning the French Open the previous week, opened with a four-under 68 to trail the leaders by three. Sepp Straka, Calum Hill and Sam Bairstow were also at four under. Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka returned a 69 at Carnoustie to reach three under, with Tommy Fleetwood another stroke back at two under.

Defending champion Robert MacIntyre finished at one under at Carnoustie, where a dispute over a drone brought him to the attention of officials. BBC Sport reported that he became angry about the aircraft above the par-three eighth, his penultimate hole. MacIntyre said he had raised the issue with a rules official twice before playing his shot and was awaiting the tournament director's response.

Tyrrell Hatton ended the day at two over after a 74. His frustration at the same par-three hole led him to strike the sand repeatedly with his club after a bunker shot went through the green, prompting an apology to viewers from Sky Sports commentators. The tournament uses Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and St Andrews, with professionals also paired with amateur partners in a team competition.