Tartan Pro Tour player secures Dunhill Links spot

Bob MacIntyre will have at least nine fellow Scots for company when he defends his Alfred Dunhill Links Championship title in this week’s 25th anniversary edition.

The Oban man became the first Scot in 20 years to claim the crown when he triumphed in a weather-shortened event 12 months ago.

Now MacIntyre is bidding to become the first player since Tyrrell Hatton achieved the feat in 2016 and 2017 to win the DP World Tour event back-to-back.

Michael Stewart pictured in action in the Irish Challenge at Killeen Castle last month | Jasper Wax/Getty Images

Among those joining the two-time Ryder Cup player in flying the Saltiere at Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and St Andrews is a fellow former Scottish Amateur champion.

Michael Stewart, who is currently playing on the Tartan Pro Tour, was added to the field on Monday after securing a sponsor’s invitation.

It’s a huge opportunity for the Ayrshireman, who will tee up on Thursday morning without playing a practice round for the $5 million event.

That’s because Stewart is currently playing in the Duddingston Classic, the penultimate event of the season on the Tartan Pro Tour.

He sits second on the Order of Merit behind American John Vogelpohl, with the top two securing cards for the 2027 Hotel Planner Tour.

Eight other Scots are currently in the Dunhill Links field, with one sponsor’s spot still to be filled.

Scott Jamieson is back on home soil for the first time since landing his Nexo Championship victory at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire.

Others flying the Saltire in a star-studded field that includes five-time major winner Brooks Koepka are Grant Forrest, Connor Syme, Calum Hill, David Law, Daniel Young, Euan Walker and Cameron Adam.