Robert MacIntyre 1st Scot in 25 years to win Scottish OpenNORTH BERWICK, Scotland — Robert MacIntyre won an open that felt like a major to him on Sunday when he made a 22-foot birdie putt on the final hole for a 3-under 67 to win the Scottish Open, becoming the first Scot in 25 years to win his national open.
MacIntyre seized on a huge break on the par-5 16th when he realized he was standing on a sprinkler head in rough so deep he could barely see his golf ball. He received a free drop in shorter grass and blasted his approach from 248 yards to 6 feet for eagle to tie Adam Scott for the lead.
His birdie putt took one last turn before falling, and MacIntyre dropped his putter and turned to a delirious Scottish gallery with a sweeping uppercut to celebrFeel like I’m playing at a high level,” he said. “And you know, pleased for Bob. This is a big win. I played with him yesterday, and you can hear them singing. I think that’s awesome for him.”
Aaron Rai also had reason to celebrate. After close calls the previous two weeks on the PGA Tour, the Englishman closed with a 63 to tie for fourth, earning one of the three final spots in the Open Championship next week.
Alex Noren of Sweden and Richard Mansell of England got the other two spots, bringing the field to 159 players. It’s the first time since 1995 the Open Championship has gone over 156 players, which it can handle because of the long daylight hours.ate.