Eddie Pepperell, partnered by former England Test batsman Kevin Pietersen, had a poor first round in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews yesterday.

The world No 83 from Abingdon, shot a two-over par 74 at the home of golf in this pro-am tournament played over three courses for the first three days.

Pepperell’s round would have been even worse had he not birdied the difficult 17th Road Hole. He stands joint 124th.

As a team Pepperell and his amateur partner Pietersen fared worse, being tied for 133rd on two under par.

The highlight for Pietersen was a nett birdie on the par-three 11th hole.

The pair will play their second round today at Carnoustie before moving on to Kingsbarns tomorrow.

The leading pros and pairings will play the final round at St Andrews on Sunday.

Three players are tied for the lead on eight under par .

Swede Kristoffer Broberg shot his 64 at St Andrews, while former amateurs Jimmy Mullen and Paul Dunne fired their rounds at Kingsbarns.