David Skinns of England has come inches away from a 59. He missed a 9-foot birdie putt on his last hole and had to settle for a career low and a course record at the Country Club of Jackson.

Darren Fichardt shot an 11-under 61 at Kingsbarns to lead the multi-course Dunhill Links Championship on Thursday after a low-scoring first round notable for the presence of the two most powerful men in golf who are seeking to reach a deal to heal the fractured sport.

David Skinns made it look easy at the PGA Tour’s Sanderson Farms Championship as he narrowly missed a chance to sign for 59.