Robert MacIntyre capped off a memorable week in his native Scotland by claiming the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, completing a remarkable homecoming after helping Team Europe secure victory at the Ryder Cup last week. The world No. 9 shot a third consecutive 6-under 66 in strong winds on the Old Course at St. Andrews to finish 18-under par, four strokes clear of his nearest rivals and securing his second DP World Tour title in as many years.
MacIntyre matched 66s at Carnoustie and Kingsbarns earlier in the week, demonstrating remarkable consistency across Scotland’s top links courses. The third round had been postponed due to stormy weather, reducing the event to a 54-hole tournament, but MacIntyre remained unfazed, displaying precision and strategic skill throughout.
This victory follows MacIntyre’s first individual win at the Genesis Scottish Open last year at The Renaissance Club, marking a strong return to form on home soil. His Ryder Cup performance at Bethpage Black also contributed significantly to Europe’s success, earning him 1.5 points in challenging conditions far more hostile than those he faced this week.
MacIntyre credited his relaxed approach to his triumph, acknowledging that he defied conventional preparation. He arrived in Scotland on Wednesday, played only 12 holes before the event, and maintained a casual approach to diet, including plenty of takeaways and fish and chips. Despite the unconventional preparation, he executed his game plan effectively, staying largely out of trouble and avoiding the notorious pot bunkers scattered across the courses.
Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton, another European Ryder Cup team member, finished second with a 65 at St. Andrews, edging out John Parry and Richard Sterne, who finished one stroke further back. Tommy Fleetwood, Europe’s top scorer in New York with four Ryder Cup points, finished nine strokes off MacIntyre on 9-under.
The Dunhill Links Championship also drew a celebrity-studded pro-am field, with Hollywood stars Bill Murray, Michael Douglas, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, alongside sporting royalty such as hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, adding a touch of glamour to the competition.
For MacIntyre, the week combined the joy of celebrating a Ryder Cup win with the satisfaction of proving himself again in his homeland. His victory at the Dunhill Links Championship marked a successful homecoming, showcasing his skill, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure on Scotland’s most iconic links courses.
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