In a dramatic turn of events, Robert MacIntyre staged a remarkable fightback to clinch the Scottish Open title, sealing a victory on home soil that delighted fans and showcased his resilience and skill.
Just 12 months ago, MacIntyre saw his Scottish Open dreams dashed by Rory McIlroy’s spectacular finish. However, the 27-year-old Scot turned the tables this year with a memorable comeback, overcoming a two-stroke deficit to Australia’s Adam Scott with just three holes remaining in the final round.
MacIntyre’s pivotal moment came on the par-five 16th hole. After driving into knee-high rough, he discovered a sprinkler head near his ball, allowing for a free drop. Taking full advantage, MacIntyre executed a brilliant approach shot that set up an eagle, propelling him to 17 under par alongside Scott. With a raucous home crowd behind him, MacIntyre then sunk a dramatic 20-foot birdie putt on the 18th, securing his victory by one stroke.
This triumph makes MacIntyre only the second Scot to win the Scottish Open, following Colin Montgomerie’s win in 1999. It also marks MacIntyre’s third European Tour victory, adding to his wins at the 2020 Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Showdown and the 2022 Italian Open. His victory is the perfect prelude to the British Open, set to commence at Royal Troon on Thursday.
Reflecting on his win, MacIntyre said, “I think I lost my voice after the scream on that hole. I thought I was short. I’ve put a lot of work into this. I’ve changed a lot within the team and I’ve just worked hard. I wanted the Scottish Open. I’m going to celebrate this one hard. We’ll pitch up to the Open when we pitch up to the Open.”
Scott, who had set the target with a closing 67, fell just short in his quest for a first title since 2020. Displaying sportsmanship, Scott said, “I’m pleased for Bob. This is a big win. I played with him yesterday, and you can hear them singing over there. A shame to come up short but Bob did what he had to do to win. Eagle, par, birdie, that’s great stuff. I think that’s awesome for him. Hopefully, I can take some good form into next week.”
MacIntyre’s day began with a two-shot deficit behind European Ryder Cup team-mate Ludvig Aberg, and his challenge appeared to falter as he covered his first 13 holes in one over par. A long birdie putt on the 14th reduced Scott’s lead to one before Scott extended it again with a birdie on the 16th. At this juncture, Scott seemed poised for victory, especially as MacIntyre’s drive on the 16th found heavy rough.
However, luck was on MacIntyre’s side. After discovering the sprinkler head and receiving a free drop, he hit a phenomenal approach from 247 yards to six feet, sinking the eagle putt with ease. His final flourish came with a birdie on the last hole, sealing a win that seemed improbable just a few holes earlier.
MacIntyre acknowledged his good fortune, saying, “I got a bit of luck on 16. You need a bit of luck to win golf tournaments. I couldn’t believe it when I heard a sprinkler under my foot. It was covered, and I thought, I got lucky, it was meant to be.”
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy finished in a six-way tie for fourth on 14 under after a closing 68, with Aberg also on the same score after a disappointing 73. England’s Richard Mansell equaled the course record with a superb 61, matching the mark set by Ben An last year.
MacIntyre’s triumph at the Scottish Open is a testament to his perseverance, skill, and a touch of luck, setting the stage for an exciting performance at the upcoming British Open.
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