Brehm Shares Lead at Dunhill Links as Ryder Cup Stars Shine
Ryan Brehm fired a stunning 63 at Kingsbarns to grab a share of the first-round lead at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, despite never playing a practice round on the course. The Michigan native shares top spot with Matthew Jordan and Darius Van Driel, who also posted 63s.
Dustin Johnson sits just one shot back after carding a 64 at notoriously difficult Carnoustie in his first appearance at this event in 13 years.
“This is my first time over here, and I was pretty much in awe on every fairway — and I hit a lot of fairways, which is kind of rare for me,” Brehm said.
What makes Brehm’s round even more remarkable is that he only practiced at St. Andrews and Carnoustie after arriving in Scotland, skipping Kingsbarns entirely.
“What’s interesting is I wish I didn’t play any of them now because this is the only one I didn’t play,” Brehm joked.
The pro-am tournament, played across three iconic Scottish links courses, provided the perfect setting for Team Europe’s Ryder Cup heroes to decompress after their emotional victory at Bethpage Black. Tyrrell Hatton and Robert MacIntyre posted solid 66s, while Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick opened with 67s.
All four received rousing ovations at Carnoustie, celebrating Europe’s improbable road victory over the Americans.
“It was brilliant. I’ve never see the first tee like this at the Dunhill before,” said MacIntyre, a native of Oban on Scotland’s west coast. “This week I’m trying to enjoy myself. I’m trying not to be that stressed out about it, that overly focused, kind of just take the rough with the smooth.”
Brehm, whose lone PGA Tour victory came at the 2022 Puerto Rico Open, is playing in Europe under a category for PGA Tour players who finished between 126-200 in last season’s FedExCup standings. He took full advantage of the ideal scoring conditions, racking up seven birdies and an eagle.
The weather forecast calls for more traditional Scottish autumn conditions over the next few days, with rain and wind expected to challenge the field.
Johnson, one of 17 LIV Golf players in the field, partnered with his father-in-law, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. His 64 at Carnoustie was nearly five shots better than the course average.
“Generally haven’t played that well around here, so it’s nice to get a good score in,” said Johnson, who missed the cut when The Open was played at Carnoustie in 2018 while he was world No. 1.
The tournament continues Friday with players rotating among the three courses before Sunday’s final round at the Old Course at St. Andrews.
