St Andrews Set for Elite Showdown
The wait is over for fans of links golf. The 2026 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship field is officially set following the Thursday entry deadline. This major event returns to the legendary Old Course in Fife, Scotland. It marks the 37th stop on the 2025-2026 DP World Tour schedule. The competition will feature a full 168-player roster over four days. Top names like Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, and Justin Rose headline the list. No open qualifiers will be used for this specific tournament. The field will adjust based on withdrawals or added invitations. An alternate list is ready, starting with Andreas Halvorsen and Zander Lombard.
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According to Golf News Net, the purse for this event stands at a massive $5,000,000. Seven of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking are expected among the contenders. The tournament is the latest on the 2026 DP World Tour schedule, setting the stage for a high-stakes finish to the season.
Fitzpatrick Claims Big Victory in France
Just before the Dunhill field was finalized, Matt Fitzpatrick secured a significant win at the 2026 FedEx Open de France. Per Golf News Net, the Englishman topped the leaderboard at Le Golf National near Paris, France. He finished at 20-under par, a total of 264, to win by three shots. This marks his 15th worldwide professional title. Angel Hidalgo took second place with a score of 17-under. Four players tied for third at 15-under, including Kristoffer Reitan, Eugenio Chacarra, Matthieu Pavon, and Tom Vaillant.
The financial rewards for this victory were substantial. Golf News Net reports that Fitzpatrick earned a winner’s share of $637,500 from the total $3,750,000 purse. This win also boosted his standing in the season-long Race to Dubai points race. He collected 835 points, while also gaining 25 Official World Golf Ranking points. The event saw a 36-hole cut, with 64 of the 144 starting players making the weekend.
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GolfMagic confirms that Fitzpatrick began the final round with a five-shot lead. His advantage shrank to two shots after a strong charge from Eugenio Chacarra early on. The Spaniard’s challenge faded after a double-bogey on the 13th hole. Fitzpatrick responded with birdies at the 13th and 15th to regain control. He carded a 70 in the final round to secure the title. GolfMagic also notes that Tommy Fleetwood withdrew from the event due to illness.
What the Results Mean for Dunhill
The momentum Fitzpatrick carries into the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship cannot be overstated. Winning a title with such a large purse and high OWGR points adds immediate weight to his chances at St Andrews. The course conditions at Le Golf National were difficult on the final day, yet he managed to hold off a tough field. This resilience suggests he will handle the links wind and uneven lies at the Old Course well. With seven of the top 50 in the world already committed, the level of play will be incredibly high.
For the casual fan, the presence of so many top-tier players makes this a must-watch event. The $5 million purse ensures that every shot counts. The field includes a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. The absence of open qualifiers means the list is strictly filled by ranking and invitation. This guarantees a competitive start to the tournament. The alternate list provides a safety net for any late withdrawals. Fans can expect drama as players jockey for position on the historic grounds.
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Next Steps on the Tour
The action moves directly from Paris to Scotland. The 2026 DP World Tour schedule continues next week with the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Players will head to the Old Course to begin their quest for the title. The field is locked, and the purse is ready. This week marks a critical juncture in the season as players aim to finish strong.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
