Alfred Dunhill Links Championship - Day two digest

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Everything you need to know from the second round in Scotland.

There were two new names at the top of the leaderboard after day two of the 2024 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, while the crowds were treated to some spectacular shots from the pros and amateurs alike.

Here is everything you need to know from the second round in Scotland.

Colsaerts and John take over at the top

Nicolas Colsaerts said local knowledge was the key as he shot a superb 65 at Carnoustie to share the lead with Cameron John after two rounds. Colsaerts kicked off his campaign with a 65 at the Old Course at St Andrews on Thursday and recorded the same score at the notoriously tricky Carnoustie on day two to reach 14 under par. Australian John, meanwhile, followed up his opening 62 at Kingsbarns with a 68 on the Old Course, grabbing a share of the lead with his brilliant birdie at the 17th. Ryder Cup star Colsaerts, who has been coming to this event since 2004, said: "Here it requires a little bit more local knowledge. Having played in this (event) definitely helps."

Defending champion puts on a show

Last year's winner Matt Fitzpatrick was on form on Friday. Check out this chip-in birdie at the 11th at Kingsbarns...

Dream team

One of the things that makes this tournament so special is the team event, with a cast of global stars linking up with the pros to entertain the Scottish crowds. And it is a Scottish golfer who leads the team event on 24 under par after two rounds in the shape of Grant Forrest and his amateur partner Martin Gilbert.

Lucky or unlucky?

Home hero Robert MacIntyre did brilliantly with his chip at the short 13th at Kingsbarns and almost holed out for a magnificent and unlikely birdie. But instead his effort hit the flag and rolled away. Was he lucky, though, that it didn't miss the flag and go further? See what you think...