Bob MacIntyre hails 'close to perfect' start at The Open as Scot in running for more Troon glory

Bob MacIntyre reckons his Open start was close to perfection.

The Oban ace began his Championship bid at Royal Troon with a one-over par round of 72. However, MacIntyre’s birdie on the last to the delight of the Ayrshire crowds pushed him to within four of the lead as he walked off the course. The Scot was more than content with his performance and said: “I thought it was almost perfect. The putter didn’t turn up, but I thought tee to green was absolutely superb, especially that front nine, wind in and out of the right.

“I wasn’t comfortable at all. I think a lot of guys had game plans to just send driver the first few holes. When it’s straight back into the wind, it kind of switches you back into fighting and it’s difficult.” MacIntyre’s final three holes were a huge boost and he continued: “Yeah, it was big. Again, I thought I played absolutely superb and had loads of chances from inside that 12-foot range.

“I didn’t hole them, but I gave myself good chances. I thought I rolled them well and they went the opposite way. But that’s Troon. It’s very subtle. It’s old school links golf where the greens are very flat, but they just kink left to right and the crosswinds, as well, when you’re hitting a putt, the ball will move in the wind.”

MacIntyre was roared around the course and said: “It was incredible, to be honest. I walked onto a lot of tees, a lot of greens, loud cheers. I can’t thank people enough for their support. Obviously, what I did last week was massive for that. I keep saying the support I had since I’ve come on the European Tour in 2019 has been incredible.”

MacIntyre knew the importance of staying in the fight as other big names such as Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau crashed to poor first-day scores. He