Bob MacIntyre admits Scottish Open one in a million shot left him emotional as he bows to Rory McIlroy brilliance

Bob MacIntyre thought the best shot of his life was going to see him fulfil a dream.

Only for Rory McIlroy to step up and produce one of the best shots of his career to rip out the Scot’s heart. MacIntyre could barely have done any more. His 64 was the best score of the day at Renaissance and his three-wood at the 72nd hole of an epic effort was the stuff of legend. Stuffed into just over three feet from 212 yards, MacIntyre has never hit one better.

He said: “It was a poor tee-shot on the 18th but then probably the best shot I have ever hit in my life. I just changed club because I thought the rescue club couldn’t get there. It was 218 yards and I thought, ‘just make par and see what happens’. I sliced the three wood to take some distance off it and it came out absolutely perfect.”

The putt rolled in and suddenly the visions he had as a kid watching the stars lift the trophy at Loch Lomond were almost reality. Emotions poured out. Damp eyes as he continued: “There was. I have never had support like that in my life.

“Having the support of family and friends is massive but it felt like everyone out there was willing me to do it. I’ve grown up watching Scottish Opens and my dream was always to win one. I thought today might have been the day but it wasn’t to be.

“As I said, it was probably one of the best shots I have ever hit in my life. I thought it might be enough but that’s what happens when you are playing against the best in the world, eh? Rory McIlroy just does what Rory McIlroy does.”

What McIlroy did was respond in the manner of a superstar. One behind with two to play against the home hero, the Northern Irish superstar produced two magical iron shots. The first to set up a birdie two on the penultimate hole.

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