Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre achieved a long-awaited victory on Sunday, sinking a 22-foot birdie putt on the final hole to secure the Genesis Scottish Open title by one stroke over Australian Adam Scott.
Reflecting on his winning putt in the tournament co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, MacIntyre remarked, “In my head I just kept saying to myself, this is what you do, Bob. I’ve done it.”
MacIntrye’s strong finish, with four birdies in the final five holes, led him to card a 3-under 67 at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick. This victory made him the first Scot since Colin Montgomerie to win on home soil in 25 years and only the second Scot to achieve this feat in the event’s history dating back to 1972.
“A lot of people might say, he doesn’t quite have this, he doesn’t quite have that, but I’ve got fight and that’s all I need,” MacIntyre emphasized.
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The left-handed MacIntyre, aged 27 and hailing from Oban, struggled early in the final round with just one birdie and two bogeys by the 13th hole. However, a slip in form from Ludvig Aberg and a strong finish from Scott presented MacIntyre with an opportunity that he seized with determination and a stroke of luck.
“A shame to come up short but Bob did what he had to do to win. Eagle, par, birdie, that’s great stuff,” Scott acknowledged.
MacIntyre’s fortunes turned when he drained a lengthy birdie putt on the 14th hole and received a beneficial ruling at the 16th where he managed to capitalize on an eagle opportunity after unexpected relief from a sprinkler head.
Robert MacIntyre of Scotland celebrates victory on the 18th green during day four of the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club on July 14, 2024 in North Berwick, Scotland. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
“I got a bit of luck on 16 and you need a bit of luck to win golf tournaments. I couldn’t believe when I heard a spring under my foot where my spike is at and I’m like no way,” MacIntyre described his memorable shot.
Thanks to this stroke of luck, MacIntyre made a crucial eagle to tie Scott for the lead, setting up a tense finish to the tournament.
In a remarkable display, Richard Mansell shot a course-record-tying 61 to secure a T-10 finish and earn a coveted spot in the upcoming British Open alongside Alex Noren and Aaron Rai, ensuring their participation in the final men’s major of the year. Defending champion Rory McIlroy, despite a strong showing, settled for a T-4 finish.
Reflecting on his winning putt, MacIntyre expressed his initial doubts and subsequent elation: “I thought it was short.”
With the Genesis Scottish Open victory, MacIntyre clinched his second PGA Tour title after winning the RBC Canadian Open the previous month. This achievement also made him just the second Scot to win twice in a single PGA Tour season, following Sandy Lyle’s historic feat in 1988.
“I wanted the Scottish Open and I got it,” MacIntyre proudly declared.
