Why is Kathryn Newton playing golf at Dunhill Links Championship? Explored

American actress Kathryn Newton has joined the stellar field at the 2024 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. The DP World Tour event features two simultaneous competitions: an individual and a team event.

Only professional golfers compete in a 72-hole stroke play format in the individual tournament. In the team event, professional golfers are paired with amateurs. Several renowned personalities, including PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan, former footballer Gareth Bale, and Newton, have joined the amateur field of the tournament.

Newton is playing alongside professional golfer Alex Fitzpatrick. The duo has performed well so far and is tied for 23rd place. They had a strong start with an impressive round of 8-under 64 at Carnoustie Golf Course. They made seven birdies and an eagle on the 12th hole and recorded a bogey on the 15th in the first round on Thursday, October 3.

The pair teed off at Kingsbarns Golf Links for the second round, starting with three consecutive birdies. They have made seven birdies through 12 holes, and the game is underway. In the third round on Saturday, October 5, Kathryn Newton will tee off at the Old Course at St. Andrews. The "Ant-Man" actress expressed her excitement about playing at the prestigious course by sharing a post on Instagram.

"This game is so exciting. Come out and watch on Saturday at @dunhilllinks. I’ll be playing the old course at @thehomeofgolf at 9:00 a.m.," she wrote.

Newton is an avid golfer and was nicknamed 'Kathryn the Golfer' during her childhood.

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Kathryn Newton becomes First Tee's national brand ambassador

Kathryn Newton joined the golf-focused nonprofit First Tee as its national brand ambassador in September 2024.

Alongside golfers Alex Smalley and Austin Smotherman, the 27-year-old actress became the third brand ambassador for the NPO. She had previously worked with First Tee and participated in its events at the U.S. Open earlier this year, held at Pinehurst Golf Course.

Newton expressed her excitement for the new role and said (via Forbes):

“This is a full-circle moment for me. Having grown up in First Tee, I’m proud to join the organization as an ambassador because I know the difference it can make for kids and teens. Golf has meant so much to me, and I’m thrilled to share my love for the game, and its inherent values, with the next generation."

First Tee focuses on the betterment of children through golf lessons. Founded in 1997, it reportedly teaches around 3.6 million children annually through its programs worldwide.