Vamps Brad hits the right notes in Team Championship

Brad Simpson went from the top of the charts to the top of the leaderboard on the first day of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

The lead singer of The Vamps and his professional playing partner Ewen Ferguson are joint-leaders in the Team Championship on 12-under-par, tied with the team of former Masters champion Danny Willett and American investment banker Jimmy Dunne.

Before arriving at St Andrews, Simpson had only just finished a nine-date tour of the UK to promote his band's latest album, Cherry Blossom.

After walking off the iconic 18th hole at the Old Course, Simpson had to take a moment to gaze at the scoreboard and appreciate the first time he actually saw his name at the top of the standings.

“That was mad. It was amazing to see – I guess I got lucky with a few shots!" he said.

Simpson was also quick to pay tribute to team-mate Ferguson, after watching the Scotsman card a bogey-free 65.

He said: "I really enjoyed it, and it was great playing with Ewen. Playing with a good guy like him instantly relaxes you and we had a good thing going.

As the Championship celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, the rock star said it was a privilege to be part of such a historic occasion.

He said: “It’s an honour to be involved in the anniversary. There are some great players here and it’s an honour to rub shoulders with them, see them play and witness it first-hand. That's always one of the best parts of it.”