MacIntyre Surges Into Alfred Dunhill Links Contention With 65 at Kingsbarns

Posted : 03 October 2026

Defending champion Robert MacIntyre made a strong move at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship after shooting a seven-under-par 65 at Kingsbarns on Friday. The Scottish golfer moved to eight under for the tournament and into a tie for ninth, three shots behind South African halfway leader Casey Jarvis.

MacIntyre began the second round at one under after his opening 71 at Carnoustie. He quickly improved his position with four birdies on the front nine before dropping a shot at the 11th hole.

The 30-year-old responded immediately and produced four birdies across the next five holes. His 65 was one of the lowest scores of the day and put him firmly into contention ahead of Saturday's third round at St Andrews.

"I was cleaning up the holes where I felt like you need to clean up, just kept it simple," MacIntyre told BBC Scotland. He also praised the calm weather conditions, saying the wind only became a major factor on the final hole.

MacIntyre admitted he was frustrated by his bogey at the 11th but used it as motivation to respond with three consecutive birdies. He plans to maintain the same aggressive approach when he returns to the course.

"[I'll] Just keep doing what I'm doing, shooting at pins, trusting the instincts," MacIntyre said.

Jarvis remained at the top of the leaderboard after following his opening 62 at Carnoustie with a 70 at Kingsbarns. The South African reached 11 under and holds a one-shot advantage over England's Matthew Jordan and South Africa's MJ Daffue.

Spain's Rocco Repetto Taylor also sits on 10 under after producing the day's best round. His eight-under 64 at Kingsbarns moved him into the leading group heading into the weekend.

Michael Stewart, who led after the opening round, remained in contention alongside MacIntyre at eight under. The Scot carded a 71 at Kingsbarns and received praise from MacIntyre, who highlighted his short-game quality.

Brooks Koepka also reached eight under after shooting 67. Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick are two shots further back on six under, while fellow Scots Scott Jamieson and Connor Syme sit on seven under.

Lee Westwood made progress on his return to the DP World Tour, shooting 69 at Kingsbarns to reach four under. Ian Poulter endured a tougher day, carding 76 at Carnoustie to fall to four over.

MacIntyre Surges Into Alfred Dunhill Links Contention With 65 at Kingsbarns

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