Ryder Cup hero Matt Fitzpatrick holds one-shot lead at Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

Just a week after claiming his first Ryder Cup point in his third appearance against the United States, the Englishman made nine birdies and a single bogey at Kingsbarns to get to 13 under.

That handed him a one-shot lead over local favourite Grant Forrest and Spaniard Nacho Elvira, with English pair Marcus Armitage and Matthew Southgate two shots further back.

Fellow Ryder Cup stars Tommy Fleetwood and Robert MacIntyre were also playing in Scotland but while they faced a battle to make the cut in the event where the whole field plays one round at each of Kingsbarns, Carnoustie and St Andrews before a final 18 holes on the Old Course for the top 60, Fitzpatrick was in pole position for a ninth DP World Tour title.

Fitzpatrick was also sitting second in the pro-am team event, where the 2022 U.S. Open champion and mum Susan were just one shot off the lead.

"I felt like we really enjoyed it out there," said Fitzpatrick, who will play St Andrews in round three. "We both like the golf course, Kingsbarns. Very relaxed atmosphere. Compared to Carnoustie, you can kind of coast a little bit more.

"Of the three, I do like Kingsbarns. I just think that's the most enjoyable with the views, the hole designs. I like that one most. That's the only one I felt any affinity to.

"I think I said it last year, I just want to make the cut with mum and do well for the team and you never know what can happen."

Starting on the 10th, Fitzpatrick picked up shots on the 12th, 15th, 16th, first and third before birdieing four of his last five holes, with a bogey on the seventh.

Scot MacIntyre was three under after a 71, a shot clear of England's Fleetwood who carded a 73.

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