The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is one of professional golf’s most distinctive events, played across three of Scotland’s most iconic courses over four days. Combining a professional DP World Tour competition with a celebrity pro-am, the tournament offers a unique blend of elite golf and entertainment against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish coastline.
What is the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship?
The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is a DP World Tour (formerly European Tour) event that uses a unique three-course rotation format. Professional golfers play one round at each of three legendary Scottish links courses before the final round is contested at the Old Course, St Andrews. Alongside the professional competition, each player is paired with an amateur partner for a concurrent team event, attracting celebrities, business leaders, and sporting figures from around the world. The combination of world-class golf, historic venues, and the pro-am format makes it one of the most popular events on the tour calendar.
When is the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship?
The 2026 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship takes place from 1 to 4 October 2026. Each of the first three rounds is played at a different course, with the final round and cut taking place at the Old Course, St Andrews on Sunday.
Where is the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship held?
The tournament rotates across three courses in Fife and Angus, Scotland: the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie Golf Links, and Kingsbarns Golf Links. The Old Course, the spiritual home of golf, hosts the final round. Carnoustie, a frequent Open Championship venue, provides a stern test, while Kingsbarns offers dramatic clifftop scenery along the North Sea coast.
Key Contenders
The Dunhill Links attracts a strong field drawn by the prestige of playing the Old Course. Tyrrell Hatton, a three-time champion, is always a contender at this event. Robert MacIntyre and other Scottish players thrive on home soil, while Rory McIlroy has competed in the event when his schedule allows. Links specialists and players comfortable in windy conditions hold an advantage across the three exposed coastal courses.
How to Watch
The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK. The DP World Tour’s international broadcast network provides coverage across Europe, Asia, and beyond. Highlights and live streaming are also available through the DP World Tour’s official website and app.
History
The Dunhill Links Championship was first held in 2001, succeeding the previous Dunhill Cup team event that ran from 1985 to 2000. The tournament has been won by some of golf’s biggest names, including Tiger Woods (in the Dunhill Cup era), Lee Westwood, and Tyrrell Hatton, whose hat-trick of victories from 2016 to 2018 remains one of the great modern winning streaks. The event’s unique format and spectacular setting have made it a favourite among players and spectators alike.
Tickets
Tickets for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship are available through the tournament’s official website. General admission tickets grant access to all three courses on rotation days and to the Old Course for the final round. The event’s three-venue format means spectators can experience different courses on different days, offering a varied golfing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Dunhill Links played on three courses?
The three-course format is a signature feature of the event, giving players the challenge of adapting to different layouts and conditions each day. It also allows more spectators to experience the tournament across multiple venues.
Can spectators watch the celebrity pro-am?
Yes, the pro-am runs alongside the professional event during the first three rounds. Spectators with general admission tickets can watch both the professionals and their celebrity partners on course.
Which course hosts the final round?
The final round is always played at the Old Course, St Andrews, widely regarded as the home of golf. Only players who make the cut compete on Sunday.
Is the Dunhill Links a DP World Tour event?
Yes, it is a full DP World Tour counting event, offering ranking points, Race to Dubai points, and official prize money alongside the pro-am team competition.
]]>