Scots golfer David Drysdale produced some classic hits at the Dunhill Links Championship after being inspired by one or two veteran musicians.

With Tommy Fleetwood rocking on with a course record 63 at Carnoustie to share the lead with defending champ Tyrell Hatton on 11-under, Drysdale was on song himself with a five-under 67 at Kingsbarns to sit three shots back in sixth.

Drysdale, who is in 49th spot on the Race to Dubai, has been partnering Genesis star Mike Rutherford in the Pro-Am team event this week.

He said: "I'm not really a Genesis fan but he's good fun. He’s still touring and was actually in Berlin on Tuesday night before this. I’ve had some good guys this week. We were with Tico Torres, the drummer from Bon Jovi, the other day. It's great in between shots. You find yourself chatting about so many different things. They've had a few stories to tell, but a lot of them are unrepeatable. They're in their 60s but are still going strong. I don't think I'll still be doing this when I'm 60.”

A couple of years ago, Drysdale arrived at the Dunhill Links nursing a calf injury and facing a battle to keep his tour card but a ninth place finish safeguarded his place at the top table. This week is slightly more comfortable for Drysdale on both fronts.

"I'm far more relaxed than I was two years ago, that's for sure,” said Drysdale, who conjured a fine late surge and birdied five of his last seven holes to leap up the order. “A couple of times in the last few years I've needed a result here. It's nice not to be in that position this year. I can just focus more on the tournament.”

Stephen Gallacher, the Dunhill Links champion back in 2004, posted a 67 on the Old Course as he moved onto the five-under mark.

Glasgow duo Scott Jamieson (four-under) and Marc Warren (three-under) are ticking along while rookie duo Connor Syme and Liam Johnston both finished on two-under aggregates. Paul Lawrie’s season could be over, though, as he withdrew with an on-going foot injury.