Pádraig Harrington's 25th appearance at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship got off to a mixed start as he finished one under par after his first round at Carnoustie while world number 979 Michael Stewart outscored a big-name field to share the lead on seven under par.
Two-time winner Harrington has featured every time this Scottish event has been staged, and rounds at Kingsbarns (Friday) and the Old Course (Saturday) await as he attempts to make Sunday's cut.
That looked like it could be a tall ask after his opening nine holes as he was out in 38 to sit on two over par.
However, a run of three birdies in four holes - from the 12th to 15th - saw him finish his first round on one under par.
Meanwhile, 36-year-old Stewart has played only five DP World Tour events – the last in 2023 – and teed off less than 24 hours after finishing second in the Tartan Tour's Duddingston Classic having received a sponsor’s invite earlier this week.
He had a remarkable back nine at Carnoustie, where an eagle at the par-five 12th was the catalyst to play five holes in six under par.
"It’s easy to get yourself up for this event. I played Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (at Duddingston) but I’ve played a lot here in the past," said Stewart on his lack of a practice round.
"Just delighted to be able to be part of the event. I feel right at home with links golf. I just played really nice all day."
The tournament also incorporates a team event with a number of former sports stars and celebrities paired with the professionals.
Matt Fitzpatrick, who arrived in Scotland off the back of his fourth win of the year at the Open de France, shot a four-under 68 at Carnoustie, with Ryder Cup team-mate Tommy Fleetwood two-under at the same course.
Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka was three under after a 69 at Carnoustie, while defending champion and home favourite Bob MacIntyre was one under at the same course.
Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, on their first DP World Tour appearances in almost four years, shot one-under (at St Andrews) and level par (at Carnoustie) respectively with fellow LIV golfer Bubba Watson also level at Carnoustie.
