South Africa’s Darren Fichardt threatened to card the second 59 in DP World Tour history before claiming a narrow lead after day one of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Fichardt fired two eagles and nine birdies in an 11-under-par 61 at Kingsbarns, just a shot outside the course record shared by Branden Grace and Peter Uihlein.

Darren Fichardt shot an 11-under 61 at Kingsbarns on Thursday to lead the multicourse Dunhill Links Championship after a low-scoring first round notable for the presence of the two most powerful men in golf who are seeking to reach a deal to heal the fractured sport.

South Africa's Darren Fichardt threatened to card the second 59 in DP World Tour history before claiming a narrow lead after day one of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, while two-time winner Padraig Harrington heads the Irish challenge in Scotland.

South Africa's Darren Fichardt impressed some of the biggest names in world golf as he opened with an 11-under-par 61 to lead Thursday's first round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

For the second consecutive week, Jon Rahm finds himself in position to win on the DP World Tour. Falling in a playoff at the Open de Espana, the two-time major champion seeks to make immediate amends after opening his 2024 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship with a 7-under 65 at Carnoustie.

Darren Fichardt has shot an 11-under 61 at Kingsbarns to lead the multi-course Dunhill Links Championship after a low-scoring first round notable for the presence of the two most powerful men in golf

Fichardt had a chance to shoot only the second 59 in DP World Tour history when he covered his first 16 holes in 11 under. However, he three-putted No. 8 — his 17th hole — bef