Robert MacIntyre will never forget the reception he got as he came so close to winning the Scottish Open – but his performance at the Renaissance Club sets him up nicely for the Open and also the Ryder Cup.
The 26-year-old said he was “absolutely gutted” that Rory McIlroy just foiled his dream to “win the one that I really, really wanted” and become just the third home winner of the Scottish Open.
However, one bright spot is that his performance has moved him up eight places into an automatic qualifying spot in the European Ryder Cup standings heading into the Open where more points are available.
MacIntyre played one of the shots of the year on 18 to birdie the hole and take the clubhouse lead, but McIlroy followed suit with a stunner on the last himself to finish birdie-birdie and win by one.
“It’s one I’ve dreamed of winning since I watched at home, and I thought today coming down once I birdied 18, I thought, this might be the one,” said MacIntyre.
“But it’s not to be just now.”
Along with also gaining a Special Temporary Membership on the PGA Tour, the left-hander got a rousing reception from the home fans after his incredible birdie on the last – to finish a week that will live long in the memory.
“I’ll never forget it,” he added. “I had to take a minute coming off 18. I mean, that’s why I play this sport. That’s why I’m in The Scottish Open, and if not The Open, The Scottish Open will be up there with the event I want to play for the rest of my life.”
MacIntyre went close in Denmark the week before Scotland when a nightmare closing back nine cost him – but his finish this Sunday was superb.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
It took McIlroy playing some of his very best golf to beat him, and that will be a big boost heading to Royal Liverpool in what could be more challenging links conditions for MacIntyre to impress in.
“Last week, I felt like I had two hands on the trophy and I let it go,” he added. “This week, I was nowhere near it. I wasn’t even within touching distance of the trophy and went out there and put in a performance.
“Just Rory McIlroy‘s potentially the best in the world, and he showed why today. Take my hat off to him.
“Just looking forward to next week. Just go out there and play golf the same way. There’s going to be a little expectation, a lot of talk from the media and stuff, but for me, same people going down next week, not as big a house, no tennis court, but we’ll have fun.”
MacIntyre in position to make Ryder Cup team
The signs are now…
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