David Micheluzzi’s impressive 19th-place finish at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship marked a high point for Australian fans. As a rising star who climbed from a world ranking of 1,670th to over a thousand spots higher within a year, Micheluzzi’s journey has captivated audiences back home. His bogey-free 64 at Kingsbarns was a standout moment, showcasing his talent and tenacity against the challenging layouts of St. Andrews and Carnoustie.

Australian fans, eager to back players like Micheluzzi and Cameron John, have found betting to be an exciting way to stay connected to the action. Knowing they were up against strong favorites—Rory McIlroy at 7/1, Jon Rahm at 11/2, Tommy Fleetwood at 13/2, and Patrick Cantlay and Scottie Scheffler both at 14/1—many sought better odds and bonuses on betting sites not on Betstop. With their compatriots in the mix, these fans turned to platforms offering more competitive rewards, bypassing the relatively limited options on Betstop.

Tyrrell Hatton’s Record-Tying Performance

One of the biggest stories of the tournament was Tyrrell Hatton’s electric performance at St. Andrews, where he tied the course record with an 11-under-par 61. Hatton’s round on Saturday, defined by accurate putting and audacious approach shots, vaulted him into a one-stroke lead over Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts. Hatton, who has a track record of success at the Dunhill Links, looked poised for another title. This year's tournament marked his potential third individual win here and an opportunity to claim the team title with his father, Jerry Hatton.

Hatton later described his 61 as “a cool day” and noted it was his lowest round on tour. For fans and fellow competitors alike, his performance was a reminder of his capability and sheer consistency at St. Andrews. But it wasn’t only Hatton who made waves.

Nicolas Colsaerts and a Rare Albatross

Nicolas Colsaerts, the overnight leader going into the third day, hit a career highlight of his own at Kingsbarns. On the par-5 16th hole, he sank an albatross—only the fourth in the tournament’s history—by holing out with a six-iron from 239 yards. The shot brought a roar from spectators, giving Colsaerts a temporary four-shot lead. However, Hatton’s historic round at St. Andrews ultimately placed him just one stroke ahead. The albatross was especially poignant for Colsaerts, who described himself as “a part-time golfer” these days, balancing his time between professional golf and commentary.

Cameron John’s Highs and Lows

Cameron John, another Australian talent, also had moments of brilliance in Scotland. Known for his aggressive play style, John, ranked world No. 1007, made a splash on the first day by shooting an extraordinary 10-under-par 62 at Kingsbarns. His round included nine birdies and a spectacular eagle at the par-four sixth hole, giving him a temporary hold on second place. For the 24-year-old from Melbourne, this was a career-defining day, displaying his potential to compete with the best on an international stage.

“I obviously took advantage of the fact that it wasn’t that windy out here,” John shared, reflecting on his first-round success. His aggressive approach paid off as he skillfully navigated Kingsbarns’ fairways. However, the following rounds at St. Andrews and Carnoustie proved more challenging. John struggled to replicate his initial form and, despite a promising start, fell to 54th place. Still, his performance at Kingsbarns was a bright spot, and he’ll undoubtedly draw confidence from this as he seeks to climb the ranks.

Other Standout Performances

Several other players made notable impressions during the tournament. Tommy Fleetwood, despite carding a bogey-free 67 in the third round, found himself frustrated by missed birdie opportunities, leaving him tied for fifth place. His round exemplified the challenge of balancing solid play with capitalizing on scoring chances—a struggle many players faced throughout the championship. Meanwhile, James Ashfield from Wales, on his professional debut, shot 67 at Kingsbarns, and Frenchman Tom Vaillant's third-round 64 saw him sit comfortably in third place.

The celebrity Pro-Am event, a hallmark of the Dunhill Links, also attracted A-list attendees, including actor Michael Douglas, who brought his own touch of Hollywood to Carnoustie, and surfing legend Kelly Slater, who served as a lucky charm for Australian pro Matt Jones.

Looking Ahead for Micheluzzi and John

The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship served as a valuable proving ground for David Micheluzzi and Cameron John. Micheluzzi's top-20 finish and consistent performance across all three courses showcased his readiness to tackle tougher European fields. His bogey-free rounds and strategic approach highlight his promising future.

For Cameron John, the championship revealed his strengths and areas needing improvement. His impressive first-round score demonstrated his ability to thrive in favorable conditions, while challenges in the final rounds exposed the difficulty of maintaining consistency. With more experience, he could ascend to higher levels in professional golf.

As the tournament concludes, both players leave with valuable insights from this historic event, indicating that Australia's golfing future is bright with such talent.