Two unheralded golfers, Michael Stewart of Scotland and South African amateur Jack Buchanan, have taken a share of the lead after the opening round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Both players, ranked outside the world's top 700, carded impressive rounds of 65 to reach seven under par.
Stewart, ranked 979, made a solitary birdie on the front nine before an eagle on the par-five 12th sparked a run of six under par over the next five holes. Buchanan, a 21-year-old amateur ranked 788, also delivered an equally strong performance.
Meanwhile, Matt Fitzpatrick, fresh from his victory at the French Open last week, is three shots back after signing for a four-under 68. Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka finished three under, while defending champion Robert MacIntyre ended his round one under par. MacIntyre was reportedly spoken to by officials after losing his temper due to a drone flying above him on the par-three eighth hole.
Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter also made their return to the DP World Tour, their first appearances since January 2023. Westwood finished one under, while Poulter was level par.