SA's Fichardt leads Dunhill Links with 61

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.

Fichardt finished the day with a one-shot lead over Australian Cameron John following a round at Kingsbarns that was one shot off the course record held by fellow South African Branden Grace. In the 2012 edition of this DP World Tour event, Grace opened with a 60 at Kingsbarns and went on to win the tournament.

“Let's hope we can carry that South African flag high and continue what Branden did," said Fichardt, who leads one of the strongest fields assembled for this tournament.

Jon Rahm started his tournament with a 65 at Carnoustie, while Tommy Fleetwood signed for a 68 on the same course. Carnoustie was also where Rory McIlroy opened with a 69, Billy Horschel shot a 70, and Brooks Koepka signed for a 71. Patrick Reed posted a 70 on the Old Course.

"It was crazy," Fichardt said of his round. "If I was on the green it was either going in or just missing. My putter was obviously really hot today, and my driver was exceptional. I was never really in trouble. I didn't try and attack today. I didn't take on any flags. I played to the open sides, and I was just making those putts. I've shot rounds in the low 60s before, but there's nothing like shooting 61 in the Dunhill Links."

Fichardt said he felt like his game was heading in the right direction coming into this tournament.

"I’ve come off a really frustrating year and been working really hard. The last couple of weeks I could feel certain things were clicking, but you never quite know. Then today, the weather was amazing at the start and I think we were second out. I had a good warm-up, but