South Africa’s Justin Walters enjoyed a strong start to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on Thursday, finishing nine-under par at The Old Course.
Despite suffering a calf injury over the summer, the 38-year-old put on a great performance to wrap up opening day shooting nine birdies.
Walters claimed a one-shot lead ahead of a group of four players, including Frenchman Victor Perez, England’s Jordan Smith, Spain’s Adrian Otaegui and Australian Ryan Fox, who finished eight-under par after 18 holes.
Perez missed out on first place as he scored a bogey on hole 17, while Fox started well with an eagle on hole five but then struggled to six consecutive pars.
A group of six players, including England’s Matthew Southgate (sixth) and Paul Waring (11th), sit a shot further back at seven-under par, while 2018 champion Lucas Bjerregaard finished 26th, having shot two consecutive bogeys on holes 16 and 17.