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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
