South Africa’s Darren Fichardt threatened to card the second 59 in DP World Tour history before claiming a narrow lead after day one of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Fichardt fired two eagles and nine birdies in an 11-under-par 61 at Kingsbarns, just a shot outside the course record shared by Branden Grace and Peter Uihlein.

Darren Fichardt shot an 11-under 61 at Kingsbarns on Thursday to lead the multicourse Dunhill Links Championship after a low-scoring first round notable for the presence of the two most powerful men in golf who are seeking to reach a deal to heal the fractured sport.

South Africa's Darren Fichardt threatened to card the second 59 in DP World Tour history before claiming a narrow lead after day one of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, while two-time winner Padraig Harrington heads the Irish challenge in Scotland.

South Africa's Darren Fichardt impressed some of the biggest names in world golf as he opened with an 11-under-par 61 to lead Thursday's first round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Darren Fichardt has shot an 11-under 61 at Kingsbarns to lead the multi-course Dunhill Links Championship after a low-scoring first round notable for the presence of the two most powerful men in golf

Fichardt had a chance to shoot only the second 59 in DP World Tour history when he covered his first 16 holes in 11 under. However, he three-putted No. 8 — his 17th hole — bef