Robert MacIntyre’s dream of becoming Scotland’s first Open champion this century in tatters after another awkward round – as affections switch to amateur compatriot
- Robert MacIntyre must fight to become his country’s best Open finisher
- His mood after a 72 that took him to six-over was in keeping with the heavy afternoon rain
- The 20-year-old compatriot Calum Scott with his fresh face is clearly in the race for the silver medal
Robert MacIntyre started the week with dreams of becoming the first Scottish Open champion of this century, but after a tough round on Saturday he will be battling to become his country’s best finisher.
The hype surrounding MacIntyre was at its height last weekend when he won the Scottish Open. There were hopes he could repeat Paul Lawrie’s 1999 Major victory, with locals carving Good Luck Rob messages on the sandy beaches next to the Royal Troon course.
Home-grown players are always guaranteed enthusiastic spectators, but when the heavens opened mid-afternoon, MacIntryre realised the cruelty of his sport.
His mood after a round of 72 to clinch the title at six-over-par was in balance with the torrential rain, while his fresh-faced compatriot Calum Scott, a 20-year-old from Nairn, beamed with the joy of life.
His 70 strokes gave him a three-stroke lead in the battle for the prestigious silver medal awarded to the best amateur at The Open.
Robert MacIntyre’s hopes of winning The Open have been dashed after another tough round
His mood after a 72 that cost him six over par for the championship was in keeping with the heavy rain
βLast week you were champion and this week you’re bottom,β McIntyre grimaced as his fortunes suddenly took a sharp turn.
“It’s links golf. It’s made it tough to compete, but that’s part of it. The first nine holes are no gimmes and then the wind shifts and it gets even tougher.
‘After four holes on Friday I thought I would be sitting on my bench in Oban all weekend. It was a real challenge to make the cut and today I didn’t have everything together.
‘It’s a difficult golf course for me. Luckily we have Portrush next year.’
MacIntyre was part of Europe’s winning Ryder Cup team last year and at 27 the expectations are high.
Calum Scott’s 70 put him three strokes ahead in the race for the prestigious Silver Medal
On Saturday, he made two birdies on the front nine, but lost three on the way back. The left-handed player had to play one stroke on the 18th hole with his “wrong” hand, because the ball landed next to a bunker.
“I thought I was a little lucky to miss the bunker and when I got there, there was no shot. I couldn’t even stand in the bunker and hit it,” he explained.
βI thought, why not hit him with my right hand?β So I aimed for the television tower and hit him with it.
‘I’ve never hit the ball hard with my right hand in my life, but as long as I hit the club head well, I was fine.’
MacIntyre appreciated the continued goodwill of his Tartan Army in difficult times, but the real excitement was reserved for Scott, who has exceeded all expectations this week, having just returned from studying at Texas Tech in America β also the finishing school for Ludvig Aberg.
MacIntyre appreciated the goodwill of his Tartan Army, but all eyes are on fellow countryman Scott
“There are a lot of guys here that I haven’t seen for ages. They’re all friends and family from Nairn or I’ve met them playing golf tournaments. The support I’ve had has been incredible and I’ve had loads of messages,” he said.
“I didn’t know what to expect at The Open. Because of my last name, my locker is next to Adam Scott and Scottie Scheffler. At first I thought, ‘I don’t know if I should be here.’
“I managed to settle in on Monday, I got the star-struck out of the way. I came here for a job to play the best I could, so I focused.”
As Scott marched down the final fairway, the rain was pouring and he admitted: ‘It’s pretty impressive to hit one shot under the ground in the third round in those conditions.
‘My goal was to make the selection. Once I achieved that, it was a weight off my shoulders.
Fresh-faced Scott, a 20-year-old from Nairn, beamed with the joy of life at Royal Troon
‘I can enjoy myself now and do my thing. If that is good enough to win the Silver Medal or move up in the rankings, then I’ll be happy.’
Justin Rose is one of the past winners of the Best Amateur award and Scott is well placed to emulate him, ahead of his nearest rival, Denmark’s Jacob Olesen.
βI think I’ll be fine if I play under par,β Scott predicted before the final round.
The third Scot still in the field, Ewen Ferguson, goes into the final round on Sunday with four overs. He took advantage of the best conditions to shoot a 70 with one birdie and 17 pars.