ROYAL PORTRUSH — Scottish golfer Bob MacIntyre delivered a statement of intent with a second-round 66 at Royal Portrush, declaring "this is where I want to be" as he positioned himself for a weekend charge at The Open Championship.
The 27-year-old left-hander, who secured his maiden PGA Tour victory earlier this year at the RBC Canadian Open, sits firmly in contention after a bogey-free performance on Friday. His six-under-par round propelled him up the leaderboard, leaving him just three shots off the pace set by tournament leader Rory McIlroy.
MacIntyre's Major Mindset
Speaking to reporters after his round, MacIntyre emphasized his growing comfort on golf's biggest stages. "I'm not going to back away," he said. "This is what I’ve worked for—to be in these moments, competing against the best." His confidence stems from recent form, including a T8 finish at the PGA Championship and a strong showing at the Scottish Open.
Key factors in MacIntyre's success at Portrush include:
- Precision off the tee (ranking 4th in driving accuracy)
- A hot putter (gaining +3.2 strokes on the greens Friday)
- Mental resilience, honed through close calls in previous majors
A Home Game Atmosphere
Despite being Scottish, MacIntyre has enjoyed vocal support from the Northern Irish crowds, who have embraced his aggressive style and fiery demeanor. "The fans here have been unbelievable," he noted. "It feels like a home game, and that energy pushes me forward."
His connection with the gallery was evident on the par-5 12th, where he drained a 25-foot eagle putt, sparking roars that echoed across the Dunluce Links. That momentum carried him through a flawless back nine, including a clutch par save at the treacherous 16th.
Learning from Past Close Calls
MacIntyre’s career has been marked by near-misses in majors, most notably a runner-up finish at the 2021 Italian Open and a T6 at The Open in 2019. Reflecting on those experiences, he said, "Every close call teaches you something. Now, I trust my game when the pressure’s on."
His caddie, Mikey Thomson, echoed that sentiment: "Bob’s matured. He doesn’t get rattled by bad breaks anymore. That’s why he’s ready to win one of these."
The McIlroy Factor
With hometown hero Rory McIlroy leading, the weekend promises electric crowds. MacIntyre, however, remains undaunted. "Rory’s a legend here, but I’m here to win," he stated. "I’ve beaten him before—I can do it again."
Analysts point to MacIntyre’s adaptability as an advantage. Unlike many contenders, he’s comfortable in windy conditions—a must at Portrush. Stats from his round:
- 14/18 greens hit in regulation
- 100% scrambling from bunkers
- Averaging 298 yards off the tee with control
The Road Ahead
With 36 holes remaining, MacIntyre’s focus is clear: "Stay patient, stick to my process, and let the putts drop." Weather forecasts suggest tougher conditions Saturday, which could play into his hands given his links golf pedigree.
If he maintains this form, MacIntyre could become the first Scottish player to lift the Claret Jug since Paul Lawrie in 1999. As he left the scoring tent Friday, he grinned and told fans, "See you Sunday—with the lead."
The golf world will be watching closely. For MacIntyre, this isn’t just another major—it’s a chance to cement his place among the game’s elite. And as he’s made clear: "I’m not here to make up the numbers."
