Andy Murray posts 65-64 at Dunhill Links pro-am, eyes Open qualifying

Andy Murray has continued to make headlines off the tennis court, producing a string of eye-catching moments and strong scores at this week's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship pro-am in Scotland. The retired three-time Grand Slam champion, teamed with DP World Tour professional Eddie Pepperell, posted rounds of 65 and 64 to sit 15 under par after 36 holes and tied for 25th heading into the final round at St Andrews. The event has been reduced to 54 holes because of adverse weather.

Murray, playing off a handicap of two, combined steady ball-striking with impressive putting to help the pair climb the leaderboard. He holed a dramatic long putt from about 80 feet at the Old Course and finished the opening day seven under, drawing praise from fellow competitors and spectators. At the same time, light-hearted moments proliferated: a bunker shot at Kingsbarns went badly wrong and a clip of the miscue circulated widely, while another video captured a spectator's dog interrupting his pre-shot routine and prompting laughter from Murray and the gallery.

The Scot also crossed paths with several recent Ryder Cup stars. He shared fairways with Tyrrell Hatton during a pro-am round, posting an...