“A Golden Sprinkler” Robert MacIntyre addresses press at The British Open after Scottish Open win

Robert MacIntyre is relaxed for The Open Championship 2024 at Royal Troon

Today’s Golfer went along to Bobby Mac’s press conference at The Open after his dramatic final round last Sunday secured the first victory for a Scot at the Scottish Open in 25 years

The clutch putt to take home the trophy on Sunday’s final round at the Renaissance Club doesn’t seem to have done anything to change Robert MacIntyre’s calm mindset going into this week’s Open Championship.

“Yeah, a new week this week. Hopefully, I can perform well and give it my best and have a chance coming in Sunday.”

MacIntyre has seen his career progress from strength to strength over the last few years but this year, also his rookie PGA Tour season, has seen him settle into a position as one of the best golfers on the planet with grace. You’d never know that based on what his thoughts were going into his first chance at US Tour glory at Myrtle Beach though.

“To be honest, Myrtle Beach taught me not to try and win golf tournaments. Lower the expectation. I teed it up on Sunday at Myrtle Beach, and my goal was to win the golf tournament. I birdied the 1st,
everything’s great. I double bogeyed the 2nd. Then I think the golf tournament’s gone.
The minute you think that, your emotions are all over the place. You lose all control of yourself. You lose thought process, touch, everything, you lose it.”

The Oban native didn’t have to wait long to test himself and his thought process again though, with a chance to follow at the RBC Canadian Open, which he dutifully achieved victory at with his dad on temporary caddie duty.

“For me, it’s all about a learning experience. It all comes back to the experiences I’ve had in the
past. Canada, I remember — I mean, when I holed that putt on 16 for eagle last week, yeah, I gave a little fist pump, but it wasn’t too high, wasn’t too low, it was just kind of, right, we’re
back in the game here.” MacIntye explained.

“In Canada, all the way up to the 11th hole, I was getting some stick. Canadian fans are always wanting
Mackenzie Hughes to win it. And I’ve holed that putt, I think it’s to go four or five ahead, but they’d been giving it all the way up the hole, which is totally fine. I loved it. And I gave probably the biggest fist pump I’ve done in my career, in my life, and then I’ve hit the worst 4-iron I’ve ever hit in my life.”

He continues on “Again, I just learned from that, and I knew the minute you get too high or low, you lose all the fine motor skill, you lose all the touch, and I wasn’t going to allow that to happen last week. It’s
just about learning from the good or the bad. It’s just keep on taking them steps forward.”

A fine attitude from a fine player, one that undoubtedly has been a dominant factor in him securing his most recent win at the Genesis Scottish Open last weekend. This marked the first win for a Scot at the tournament for 25 years after Colin Montgomerie last secured the title in 1999.

• Colin Montgomerie’s guide to Royal Troon

With the news that Rory McIlroy’s impeccable 2-iron from 2023’s edition will receive a plaque dedicated to him on the 18th fairway, we asked Robert whether he’d like to see an installation anywhere on the course when he returns in 2025.

“I think it’s a gold-plated sprinkler.” he says with a cheeky Scottish grin.

Maybe Robert MacIntyre’s wish will come true but, for now, his eyes are focused on only one thing. With 25 years since Montgomerie at The Scottish, it’s also 25 years since Paul Lawrie took home the Claret Jug. Will we see another Scot taking home the famous cup this weekend as well?

About the author

Lewis Daff

Lewis Daff joined the Today’s Golfer digital team in 2024, having spent more than a decade in both big box golf retail and independent stores, working as a club fitter and builder.

Experienced with every level of golfer, from beginner to professional, he has achieved Master Fitter and Builder status with most major manufacturers, including Mizuno, Taylormade, and Callaway, helping him to cement both a wide and deep knowledge base. Lewis specializes in Clubs, Shafts, Training Aids, Launch Monitors and Grips.

In Lewis’ bag is Taylormade Qi10 Driver, Taylormade SIM Max Fairway Woods (3-15, 5-18), Wilson Staff D9 Forged 3-iron, Srixon ZX7 MKii Irons (4-PW), Titleist SM9 Wedges (52*, 60*), Toulon San Diego Putter, and Callaway Chrome Tour Ball.

Talk to Lewis about why steel shafts are now dead and graphite is the only way forward or any other equipment you’d like to debate via his email.