Jordan leads European Ryder Cup stars at Alfred Dunhill Links

Matthew Jordan came close to matching the Old Course record at St. Andrews as he posted a nine-under par 63 on the opening day of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on Thursday.

American Ryan Brehm and Dutchman Darius van Driel share the lead after posting nine-under rounds at Kingsbarns.

Jordan got off to an incredible start with back-to-back birdies on the third and fourth, followed by eagles at the fifth and sixth.

He added a further four birdies on the back nine, but a dropped shot at the 17th cost him the outright lead.

Jordan nearly bounced back in style to equal the 61 course record, but his approach at the last hit the flag and rolled to 22 feet, leaving him to make do with a closing par.

"It was brilliant. Any time you get to play this place, especially with no wind, it's just so enjoyable," said Jordan.

"I think that's probably the first time I've gone eagle-eagle in a tournament, so that certainly helps, and then all of a sudden just trying to keep carrying it on."

'ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT'

Two-time major champion Dustin Johnson is just one off the lead after shooting a 64 at Carnoustie.

Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton is six under, alongside Ryder Cup teammate Bob MacIntyre.

Another two members of Europe's famous win on American soil last week, Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick, are five under.

"I've never seen the first tee like this at the Dunhill before. It was absolutely brilliant," said MacIntyre of his hero's welcome back to his homeland in Scotland.

"This week I'm trying to enjoy myself. I'm trying not to be that stressed out about it, that overly focused, just take the rough with the smooth."

After playing one round at each of St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, those left in the field all take on the Old Course at St. Andrews on Sunday.