Bob McIntyre reacts to Jon Rahm seal of approval and insists Open Championship confidence is sky high

Bob MacIntyre admits his Open confidence is sky-high after superstar Jon Rahm added his powerful voice of support to the Scot’s Ryder Cup bid.

The Spanish hero insists the Oban star must be a massive candidate for the European team to take on the United States in September. Rahm says MacIntyre’s finish to the Genesis Scottish Open last weekend was “miraculous” as charged back into contention for a place in Rome. Although he lost out by a shot to Rory McIlroy at the Renaissance in an epic finale, the World No.3 was blown away by the performance.

Rahm also referenced the fact that MacIntyre had sunk both McIlroy and former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick in last year’s Italian Open at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, the venue for the autumn clash against the States. Shane Lowry told Record Sport yesterday that he would be happy to go into battle for Europe with the Scot.

And, after the latest commendation from Rahm, MacIntyre is packed with positivity and says it’s another major morale lifter ahead of tomorrow’s start at Hoylake. He said: “Getting words like that from these top, top players, I couldn’t think of a bigger confidence boost. That is important. It gives me a massive smile.

“It’s a dream of mine to play in a Ryder Cup. I still have work to do to make that team. If I’m not an automatic, then it’s out of my hands, but I just need to look after myself, go out there and win events and it will take care of itself.”

Rahm believes the brilliant final round of 64 from MacIntyre at the Scottish Open is adequate and added proof of his ability to handle the heat of intense battle. He said: “If somebody who can do that, shoot six-under in those weather conditions, is not a candidate, I don’t know who else can be.

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