Indian golfer Shubhankar Sharma posted an even-par 72 in the second round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews’ Old Course on Friday, maintaining a four-under-par total after two rounds. Sitting tied for 56th, Sharma’s performance keeps him in contention as he heads to Carnoustie Golf Links for Saturday’s third round, where a strong showing could end his recent streak of missed cuts. The $5 million DP World Tour event, played across three iconic Scottish courses—St Andrews, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns—features a unique pro-am format and a cut after the third round, once all players have competed on each venue.

Sharma’s tournament began promisingly with a four-under 68 at Kingsbarns on Thursday, highlighted by six birdies offset by a triple bogey and a bogey. His second round at the Old Course started on the back nine, where he struggled with bogeys on the 13th, 16th, and 17th, salvaged only by a birdie on the 14th. A spirited front nine saw him rebound with three birdies in the first five holes, but a bogey on the seventh forced him to settle for even par. The two-time European Tour champion, who finished T-51 at Carnoustie during the 2018 Open Championship, will draw on that experience to navigate the challenging links course, known for its punishing rough and unpredictable weather, to secure a spot in the final round.

The leaderboard is led by Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre and South Africa’s Richard Sterne, both at 12-under-par after two rounds. MacIntyre, fresh off a Ryder Cup triumph, carded consecutive six-under 66s at Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, while Sterne’s bogey-free rounds of 65 and 67 at Kingsbarns and St Andrews showcased his precision. Louis Oosthuizen trails closely at 11-under, setting the stage for a competitive weekend. Despite heavy rain suspending play briefly on Thursday, conditions have stabilised, though potential waterlogging at St Andrews could test players’ adaptability.

Also Read: AB de Villiers Faces Backlash after Statement on India-Pakistan Asia Cup Controversy

For Sharma, who has missed 20 of 24 cuts in 2025, the third round is pivotal. A low score at Carnoustie, where he has prior competitive experience, could propel him past the projected two-under cutline and boost his confidence ahead of the season’s climax. As Indian golf fans rally behind him, Sharma’s resilience and flashes of brilliance—evident in his early birdie bursts—signal potential for a turnaround in this prestigious tournament.

Also Read: Updated WTC 2025 Table: India Stay Third After Innings Win Over West Indies