MacIntyre Shares Lead in Brutal Dunhill Conditions

MacIntyre Battles Brutal Weather to Share Dunhill Links Lead

Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre surged into a share of the lead at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, carding a superb six-under-par 66 on a wind-lashed Friday at Kingsbarns to join South Africa’s Richard Sterne at 12 under par.

Both players top the leaderboard as second-round play was suspended due to brutal weather conditions across the three host courses — Kingsbarns, Carnoustie, and St Andrews.

MacIntyre’s Grit in the Storm

The 29-year-old Scottish Ryder Cup star weathered the afternoon storms with seven birdies and just one bogey, managing the gusts and downpours with remarkable poise.

“It was almost a perfect round of golf, especially once the weather came in,” said MacIntyre.

“I made some beautiful shots fighting the wind, even when I wasn’t comfortable.”

MacIntyre, ranked world number nine, started on the 10th tee and birdied three of his opening five holes. He will play the Old Course at St Andrews on Saturday in round three.

Global Field Chasing the Leaders

Andy Murray and his playing partner Eddie Pepperell are at 15 under in the team event

Behind MacIntyre and Sterne:

• Louis Oosthuizen sits alone at -11

• Scott Jamieson (SCO) and Tom McKibbin (NI) are part of a nine-man group at -10

• Matt Fitzpatrick (ENG), one of the pre-tournament favourites, is on -8

Selected Leaderboard (after Round 2*)

• -12: Robert MacIntyre (SCO), Richard Sterne (RSA)

• -11: Louis Oosthuizen (RSA)

• -10: Scott Jamieson (SCO), Tom McKibbin (NI)

• -8: Matt Fitzpatrick (ENG), Brooks Koepka (USA)*

• -7: Tyrrell Hatton (ENG), Tommy Fleetwood (ENG), Ben Schmidt (ENG), Todd Clements (ENG)*

* Denotes players yet to finish Round 2

Kimsey Makes History with Nine Birdies in a Row

England’s Nathan Kimsey made history by becoming just the third player in DP World Tour history to make nine consecutive birdies.

The 32-year-old achieved the streak between the 2nd and 10th holes at St Andrews’ Old Course, shooting a 68 to finish on -5 overall.

He joins Matt Wallace (2022) and James Nitties (2019) in this elite feat.

What’s Next?

Due to the delays, 56 players are still to complete their second rounds, which will resume at 08:00 BST on Saturday. Round three is scheduled for a 12:30 shotgun start.

The event features:

• $5 million total prize fund

• $800,000 winner’s cheque for the professional event

• A $50,000 prize for the team championship, featuring stars from TV, film, and sport