Feature and photography by Matt Hooper
Perhaps even more so than Sunday, Saturday in St Andrews at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship has an incredible buzz about it. The marquee professionals competing to make the cut and move into position for Sunday, plus some of the most high profile celebrities. Then in the evening we are treated to a spectacular fireworks display to music, an event which brings locals out into the town every October. With last year's event a washout we are sure to see bumper crowds for the golf, and the fireworks.
In the team competition the leading 20 teams after today's rounds at Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and St Andrews will qualify for Sunday's Final Round, with 20th spot currently at 19-under-par, with up to 27 teams in line to qualify. Grant Forrest and Martin Gilbert lead the way on 24-under-par, with Daniel Hillier and Sir Steve Redgrave one of 5 teams tied for second place, 2 shots back. Dan Brown and Gareth Bale are one of the gaggle of teams tied at 19-under-par, and the Welshman will be desperate to make it to Sunday. Remarkably Bale has contributed 9 times to the team score so far, despite playing off a scratch handicap.
In the professional competition the leaderboard at this stage is the usual eclectic mix of star names, past favourites, emerging stars and players even their mum's struggle to recognise. 2012 Ryder Cup hero Nicolas Colsaerts is tied for the lead with Australian Cameron John at 14-under-par, 1 shot clear of the chasing pack, today they play at Kingsbarns and Carnoustie respectively. First round leader Darren Fichardt is 13-under-par, alongside Scotland's David Law, both are at Carnoustie today, with Robin Williams and Joost Luiten, also playing at Carnoustie, in the group at 12-under-par.
2023 Betfred British Masters Champion Daniel Hillier is at Kingsbarns today, he will start 2 shots back, and is in contention for both the individual and team prizes as we begin Saturday's third round. But undoubtedly the centre of attention today is here at the home of golf, St Andrews. Michael Douglas, Kathryn Newton, Andy Garcia, and Bill Murray are joined by the intrigue of Jay Monahan and His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, with many of the biggest stars in world golf alongside them. Tyrrell Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood are tied at 11-under-par, with Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm 5 and 6 shots back respectively, Rory McIlroy and Billy Horschel are flirting with the cut at 6-under-par, as is Shane Lowry. Matt Fitzpatrick and Robert MacIntyre have work to do if they are to make the cut, which is sitting at 6-under, they both begin today's round in St Andrews at 5-under-par.
Local star Connor Syme is 4 off the lead at 10-under-par, and today he plays at Carnoustie, knowing that a good score could put him in serious contention for a first DP World Tour win, and what a place to get it.
It is already buzzing out around the first tee this morning, with the locals taking advantage of the final day when entry is free, and surely they are set to be royally entertained by the superstars here today. Then once the fireworks on the course have died down it is time to enjoy the fireworks from West Sands, as the night sky is illuminated and the town gathers around the links. Saturday in St Andrews at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is one of the great days in golf.
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