The most wonderful time of the year for many people can arguably be several dates in a calendar year: the beginning of school, Christmas or maybe even your birthday. For a Jamie Dornan fan however, the most wonderful time of year comes in early October when the star takes part in the Alfred Dunhill Links Pro-Am in Scotland. It’s like every holiday in the year, all rolled into one. Throw in winning the lottery and you come close to how fans of Dornan feel whenever Dunhill Links comes around.
Paired together for the second consecutive time, Jamie and his pro-partner Tyrrell Hatton had no idea that they were on their way to a back-to-back Championship victory, effectively making history at the tournament.
October 4, 2017
Jamie dove into the tournament with a practice round at the Old Course in St. Andrew’s, Scotland on October 4. Dressed in some Paul Spector swag complete with corduroy pants he stole from the set of Untogether, Jamie enjoyed a few holes of golf prior to the official kick off the following day. This gave fans an extra and early opportunity to meet the star and get some of their excitement out of the way. Fans flocked from everywhere – and we mean everywhere – to watch Jamie golf. From across the pond to Scotland’s backyard, Jamie’s admirers enjoyed the same five days of golf and have some pretty amazing experiences to talk about. From everywhere on social media, fans and friends drip fed us their selfies with the star who’s beard was in full bloom and with wonderfully tousled hair.
Jamie took pictuers with fans on each day of the tournament and below is just a handful of the hundreds he took throughout the Championship.
Jamie seemed to be enjoying himself at the practice round with Tyrrell, the two often seen laughing and joking with each other. He seemed focused, concentrated and in his element while taking a few preliminary puts.
With the practice round over and having greeted and spent much time with his fans, St. Andrew’s eagerly awaited their return the next day. Day one of the Championship would attract even more attention from fans and media and kick off some great days of golf.
October 5, 2017
Day one.
The Old Course.
The sun is shining, the corduroy pants have returned, his hat swag is on point and he’s ready to golf.
Considerate as always, Jamie is seen posing for a profusion of photos with his fans throughout the day, while arriving and departing and even mid-game. He’s too kind.
Jamie and Tyrrell make an impressionable pair on the first day, conquering the tough atmosphere and competition in St. Andrew’s. After a great first day, the pair were doing well at -10.
Hoping that Carnoustie would be kind to them, we anxiously awaited their return on one of the tougher courses in the Championship. Not only would Carnoustie bring great golf, it would be the return of a Patagonia hat.
October 6, 2017
Day two.
Carnoustie.
The sun is brimming for the second day in a row. Jamie saunters onto the course in simple blue jeans, a windbreaker sweater, one white golf glove and, wait for it – a Patagonia hat. Hallelujah! Patagonia makes an appearance on the course and although we’re excited for what the day has to bring, we’re over-excited about his hat in particular. We always welcome an opportunity to see his Patagonia hats and we’ll never tire of seeing them.
Jamie was also sporting another piece of merchandise that caught us a little off guard – he was wearing a heated Thermacare for some lower back support and relief, essentially preventing us from seeing little glimpses of his belly. But with the extreme exertion of the golfing sport, the 35 year old clearly needed some assuagement to help him through the operose courses and game itself.
By the end of day two, Jamie and Tyrrell were -11 and making their way to the top of the leaderboard. Kingsbarns, the toughest of the three courses, would show them mercy and catapult the duo to the top of the leaderboard.
October 7, 2017
Day three.
Kingsbarns.
Brutal, gruesome and unforgiving, Kingsbarns is reputably the most demanding green hosted by the Pro-Am each year.
He’s brought back the Spector swag and sports it with a mustard yellow cap this time, a colour we rarely see Jamie in. It’s different and we like it! Dressed in jeans by Paige and a singular golf glove again, Jamie and Tyrrell dominate Kingsbarns, Jamie at one point hitting a shot out of the bunker. They own the arduous course and take a staggering leap to the top of the leaderboard, seeing them end the day -18, five par ahead of their closest rivals.
Jamie and Tyrrell joke to the camera about their partnership in an interview posted by Dunhill Links on Facebook.
“I just line Tyrrell up for the shots and he hits them. Really, don’t I?”
“Yeah I’m suprised you haven’t got a sore back from carrying the team, to be honest.” Tyrrell jokes. To which Jamie replies “Ah, that’s harsh,” giggling.
Jamie also sits down with Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell in an interview at the Jigger Inn, also shared by Alfred Dunhill Links on Facebook.
After a few pints and some great conversations, day three hosted by Kingsbarns settles as Jamie and Tyrrell unknowingly prepare to make history as they return to the Old Course on day four.
October 8, 2017
Day four.
The Old Course.
The final countdown.
Jamie and Tyrrell return to the Old Course where they effectively make history by becoming the first pair to defend a Championship title.
Jamie and Tyrrell were paired together for last years Pro-Am, claiming the Championship title in 2016. No one, up until this year, had ever defended the title, let alone with the same partner. A force to be reckoned with, Jamie and Tyrrell tore up the tournament once again, defending their title and taking home the 2017 Championship – a feat accomplished by no pair, pro or amateur previously.
We’re thrilled for Tyrrell who won the Championship at -24 Par while Dornan and Hatton as a team finished 12 with -32. This makes it apparent that the two of them undeniably need to be paired together in future draws; they understandably have a connection and brotherhood that is immeasureable between any other pro and amateur. They will undoubtedly share this experience and their two victories together in years to come.
Congratulations Jamie and Tyrrell! We’re eagerly anticipating both your returns to the Championship in 2018!
You can view all of the HQ and fan photos taken over the five day event at Dunhill Links in the gallery.