PINEHURST — Bob MacIntyre’s near-miss at the 2024 U.S. Open left fans and analysts alike wondering: Was this the breakthrough moment that will propel the Scottish left-hander to major glory?
MacIntyre, who started the final round seven shots behind leader Bryson DeChambeau, mounted a stunning Sunday charge at Pinehurst No. 2. His bogey-free 65—the lowest round of the day—nearly snatched victory before DeChambeau’s clutch par save on the 72nd hole sealed a one-stroke win.
"I thought I had it," MacIntyre admitted afterward, his voice tinged with equal parts pride and regret. "When I walked off 18, I honestly believed that score might be enough. But majors are brutal. You learn more from losing than winning sometimes."
The Anatomy of a Near-Miss
MacIntyre’s performance was a masterclass in resilience. After a shaky third-round 73 left him at +2, few considered him a threat. Yet his Sunday surge was built on:
- Precision iron play: He hit 15 greens in regulation, gaining 4.2 strokes on approach (2nd in the field).
- Clutch putting: Sank a 25-footer for birdie at the 14th and a 12-footer to save par at 17.
- Mental toughness: Played the treacherous "turtleback" greens better than anyone (just 26 putts).
Statistically, it was his best major performance yet: - Strokes Gained: Total: +8.6 (3rd) - Driving Accuracy: 71% (T5) - Scrambling: 78% (1st)
What This Means for MacIntyre’s Future
1. Confidence Boost
Before Pinehurst, MacIntyre had just one top-10 in 12 major starts. Now, he joins an elite group of players (like Brooks Koepka in 2014) who used a close call as a springboard. "This proves I belong," he told Sky Sports.
2. Tactical Growth
His caddie, Mike Burrow, noted key adjustments: - Course management: Laid up on drivable par-4s (like the 3rd) rather than forcing heroics. - Patience: Accepted bogeys on "half-par" holes (e.g., the 5th).
3. Major Pedigree
Since 2020, only Rahm, Scheffler, and McIlroy have more top-5s in majors than MacIntyre’s two. His game suits the toughest tests: - Open Championship: T6 in 2023 - Augusta: Made cuts in both Masters starts
The Road Ahead
With the Open Championship at Royal Troon (just 90 miles from his hometown Oban) next month, MacIntyre’s odds have shortened from 50/1 to 25/1. But as three-time major winner Padraig Harrington cautioned: "The hardest part isn’t contending—it’s doing it again. Now the expectations change."
Key milestones to watch: - July 11-14: Scottish Open (defending champion) - July 18-21: The Open Championship - 2025: Likely Ryder Cup debut (currently 4th in European points)
MacIntyre’s coach, David Burns, summed it up: "Bob’s always had the talent. Now he’s got the belief. That’s a dangerous combination." If Pinehurst was a glimpse of his potential, golf’s next first-time major winner might wear tartan.
