Oban, Scotland - Robert MacIntyre secured an emotional home victory at the Scottish Open on Sunday, sinking a 20-foot birdie putt on the final hole to edge out Adam Scott by one shot.
The 27-year-old Scot trailed Australian former world number one Adam Scott by two strokes going into the closing stretch at Renaissance Club. But MacIntyre produced some late magic to claim his maiden Rolex Series triumph.
Robert MacIntyre Wins the Scottish Open (X: @ScottishOpen)
He pulled level with Scott after making a stunning eagle from 247 yards on the par-five 16th. MacIntyre benefitted from a fortunate sprinkler drop in heavy rough after his tee shot.
That set up a dramatic conclusion on the 18th hole, where a roaring galleries backed the hometown hero. MacIntyre coolly rolled in the winning birdie to complete a closing 67 and finish 17-under for the tournament.
"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." a jubilant MacIntyre said afterwards.
"I wanted The Scottish Open,” MacIntyre added. “I got a bit of luck on 16 that you need to win golf tournaments. I couldn’t believe when I heard a sprinkler under my foot. It was covered and I thought: I got lucky, it was meant to be.”
“Next week is a new week but I tell you, I’m going to celebrate this with my family, friends, and everyone here. I’m going to celebrate this one hard. We’ll pitch up to the Open when we pitch up to the Open.”
It was sweet redemption for MacIntyre, who had led last year's Scottish Open after three rounds only to lose out to Rory McIlroy's blistering final day. His victory is the first for a Scottish player at the national open since Colin Montgomerie in 1999.
Bob MacIntyre is the 2024 Scottish Open champion after a remarkable comeback on Sunday (Image: Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Scott carded a 67 of his own to briefly grab the lead at 16-under. But the 2013 Masters champion had to settle for second after MacIntyre's late show.
“There was a lot of good stuff for me this week,” Scott said. “It’s hard to complain about anything. It’s the first time I’ve been in contention this year. I like where my game is headed going into next week. I feel like I’m playing at a high level.
“I’m pleased for Bob This is a big win. I played with him yesterday, and you can hear them singing over there. I think that’s awesome for him and hopefully I can take some good form into next week.”
France's Romain Langasque finished alone in third on 14-under after a 66, while McIlroy closed with a 68 to tie for fourth alongside five others.
MacIntyre will now take huge confidence from his first Rolex Series win into next week's Open Championship at Royal Troon. But this day belonged to Robert MacIntyre - who showed heart, courage and guts under pressure to etch his name into Scottish golfing folklore with a spectacular victory.
References: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jul/14/scottish-open-golf-robert-macintyre-adam-scott-report
