World No.788 Jack Buchanan has become the toast of a record-breaking Australian contingent at the European Tour's prestigious Links Championship in Scotland as he grabbed a wholly unexpected share of the lead on the opening day.
The Adelaide-based journeyman had a dream return to the country of his birth as he shot a flawless seven-under par 65 at Kingsbarns to blaze a trail in the St Andrews-based pro-am which, as well as top golf pros, attracts Hollywood A-listers, billionaire businessmen and sporting superstars.
After a season of struggle, and coming off the back of two missed cuts, the 24-year-old Links Championship debutant opened up with four birdies in his first six holes and recorded another three on his inward stretch to join another surprise outsider, Scotland's world No.979 Michael Stewart, as co-leader.
