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Tournament Preview
Robert MacIntyre will be aiming to join an illustrious group this week when he defends his title at the 25th edition of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
The World Number 19 was victorious by four strokes last year, becoming the fourth Scot to win the unique tournament, which is staged over three world-famous courses; the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie Golf Links and Kingsbarns.
The 30-year-old now returns to the Home of Golf with a second title firmly in his sights, a feat which would see him join Tyrrell Hatton (2016, 2017 and 2024) and Pádraig Harrington (2002 and 2006) as the only multiple winners of the championship in its 25-year history.
MacIntyre, who arrives having finished in a share of tenth at the BMW PGA Championship a fortnight ago, will again play with amateur partner Brett Overman, the pair set to tee it up alongside Hatton and his father Jeff for the opening three rounds.
Three-time champion Hatton, making his 11th appearance, will be hoping to create even more history at the celebration of links golf.
The World Number 24’s victory in 2024 saw him become the first three-time winner, with another to move him into rarefied air; the Englishman would join the likes of Sir Nick Faldo (BMW PGA Championship), Seve Ballesteros (Open de France) and Bernhard Langer (German Open and German Masters) in winning an event on golf’s Global Tour four or more times.
Hatton has enjoyed remarkable success since his 2014 debut, having recorded a further three runner-up finishes, including last year to MacIntyre.
Harrington will mark a milestone of his own this week as the only professional player to have played in all 25 editions of the tournament.
The three-time Major champion featured in the inaugural event in 2001, claiming the title the following year and again five years later, with the relaxed atmosphere one that the 55-year-old feels brings out the best in his game.
The Irishman will need to outplay an in-form Matt Fitzpatrick, who will tee it up with his father, Russell, while brother Alex will play alongside mother, Sue, in the family affair.
The World Number Four, who famously won both the professional title and the Team Championship with Sue in 2023, added an 11th DP World Tour title to his name last week at the FedEx Open de France.
Alex has enjoyed a breakthrough 2026, winning the DP World Tour Hero Indian Open in March and the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, alongside Matt, on the PGA Tour in April.
The entire field will play a round at each course, with the leading 60 professionals and the leading 20 teams to progress after the third round. The final round will then be played on the Old Course at St Andrews.
A host of sports and showbiz stars are amongst the amateurs set to feature in the Team Championship, including former Real Madrid and Wales footballer Gareth Bale, acclaimed American actor Michael Peña, England cricketers Kevin Pietersen, Sir Ian Botham and Michael Vaughan, Keane’s Tom Chaplin, Linkin Park’s Dave Farrell, singer-songwriter Ronan Keating and US rock legend Huey Lewis.
Player Quotes
Robert MacIntyre: Special. Obviously, I’ve not had the best relationship with the Old Course but to finally get across the line here, it was nice, and to do it back on home soil is always extra special.
This year is a bit quieter. Family is growing and a bit busy at home with other stuff. A bit quieter so far this week but hopefully if I can get some good golf this week, we’ll all come down in groups and I can give them another special week.
I think it’s just learning what it takes to play the Old Course.
Certain holes you’re going to attack, or certain holes, you accept bogey. Just accept certain shots, I’m not going to try to be perfect, and there’s so many opportunities if you play well. I know now if I do certain things well, you should play well or score well.
Tyrrell Hatton: It’s great to be back. Always a special week for me. And playing with my dad again, we’re looking forward to it. Hopefully the weather will be kind and we’ll have a great week.
It’s slightly more relaxed this week, which I think probably helps me out a little bit. We all know that I can get pretty frustrated on golf course. So, yeah, the fact that it’s a little more chilled out serves me well.
That was really special for me. It was actually the first time that my dad had been at the DP World Tour for a win and the fact that he was playing that day, too, made it very special. A day that neither of us will forget.
Pádraig Harrington: Here at the Home of Golf, Alfred Dunhill do such a good job running this event. Great week of golf and obviously fun with the amateurs. Super golf courses. What’s not to like? It’s one of my favourites of the year for sure.
It’s a nice record. As I said, I’ve always loved coming here. It’s been a no-brainer for me. Every year, I put it in on the calendar for sure. It’s one of the best weeks of the year. 25 years in a row, I’m proud of it. I wish I was a young guy and only playing my fifth year, but who knows, 25 and maybe a few more to follow.
I won in 2002 and 2006, so they are the top memories. It’s very special to win a tournament at St Andrews coming down the 18th. I won the Amateur, as well, both those years, with my partner, JP McManus. Memories that will last a lifetime.
Matt Fitzpatrick: It’s always a great week, and to be a past winner, as well, is pretty cool. To win it with my mum, as well, was special. I’m excited for the week.
Being able to play such quality golf courses, historic golf courses that have held so many great championships, not only Dunhill but The Opens, as well. It’s always an amazing week, and to be able to play these golf courses with my family is really special.
Alex Fitzpatrick: I’m excited. It’s a bit of a different feel for me this week than it was last year when I was trying to keep my card. So I feel a lot more relaxed, obviously with my mum, dad and brother here. It will be a great week.
I’d say it’s about as good as it gets. I think if you told me at the start of the year that this would happen, I would have told you that you were lying to me. It’s been incredible. I feel like I’ve been trying to make the most of every opportunity I’ve had, and I’ve been enjoying it as much as I can and it’s been a lot of fun.
Venue: Old Course St. Andrews, Carnoustie, Kingsbarns
2025 Champion: Robert MacIntyre
2025 Team Champions: Harrison Crowe and Cian Foley
Prize Fund: USD 5,000,000
Points: 5,000
Race to Dubai: Tournament 37 of 42
Back 9: Tournament 6 of 9