What's Not to Like About Bobby MacIntyre? My Pick to Defend at the Scottish Open
What’s Not to Like About Bobby MacIntyre? My Pick to Defend at the Scottish Open originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
His approach was money. Stiffed twelve feet from the pin. His putt rolled like it was on a string and when it dropped to the bottom of the cup, that roar from those Scottish fans sent goose bumps up and down my arms.
MacIntyre, the Scot, not only won his country’s national championship but also became only the second Scot to win multiple PGA Tour events in one season. The legendary Sandy Lyle was the first back in 1988.
That single moment captures everything I love about watching this guy play golf. MacIntyre wears his heart on his sleeve. He celebrates like he actually means it. And somehow, in a sport filled with guys who sound like they’ve been coached by the same media training robot, he still feels real.
The moment that I really fell for this lovable Scot was at the 2024 RBC Canadian Open. MacIntyre’s win, his first PGA Tour event with his dad Dougie on the bag, was a certified magical moment. Not some superstar caddie — his dad, who cuts grass at Glencruitten Golf Club back in Oban, on his bag. I mean, come on. That’s the stuff that reminds us all why we fell in love with this game.
“If in doubt, phone Dad,” MacIntyre said afterward. I mean, seriously. Try finding that kind of authenticity anywhere else on tour these days.
This isn’t some feel-good story about a nice guy who happens to be decent at golf. The man can absolutely golf his ball. He learned the game on those brutal Scottish courses where the wind never stops blowing and every shot is a puzzle.
He’s not going to outdrive Bryson DeChambeau, but watch him work his way around a links course in a crosswind, and you’ll see pure golf intelligence.
MacIntyre doesn’t just happen to be Scottish — he is Scottish golf. All that grit, stubbornness and refusal to give up is precisely what being a Scot is all about. His runner-up finish at Oakmont this year? Seven shots back going into Sunday, only to shoot 2-under on that beast of a course to finish two behind J.J. Spaun. That’s what happens when you’ve been grinding your entire life.
The Ryder Cup performance at Marco Simone proved he’s got the goods on the biggest stage. Went 2-0-1, including a singles win over Wyndham Clark that had European captain Luke Donald gushing about his “fearless approach.” Trust me, Luke Donald doesn’t gush about anything.
At 28, MacIntyre has undoubtedly hit that sweet spot. Old enough to know what he’s doing, but still young enough to be hungry for more. His world ranking of 14th isn’t some flash in the pan — it’s been a steady climb from the Challenge Tour trenches.
Let’s talk about his putting for a second because, as a PGA Professional and Coach, this is the kind of thing that gets me excited. Bobby used to be a weak putter, admittedly. Now? He is absolutely deadly on the greens. His iron play was always solid, but throw in this newfound putting confidence, especially in the wind that defines Scottish golf, and you’ve got a dangerous combination.
What really sells me on MacIntyre defending successfully this week is that he gets what this all means. He’s not going to hide from the pressure or give you some boring “one shot at a time” nonsense; he knows it is going to be a grind. He wants to become the first player to win back-to-back Scottish Opens, and he’s not afraid to say it.
Golf can be somewhat sterile at times, and that’s coming from a lifelong fan and industry veteran. There is often too much corporate polish, with too many players sounding like they’re reading from the same script. MacIntyre’s different. He’s got skill, sure, but he’s also got something that’s become increasingly rare in professional sports: a genuine personality.
That’s why I’m backing him to repeat this week. In a sport that desperately needs more characters, Bobby MacIntyre is exactly what golf needs more of.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
