Rory McIlroy had some kind words for his Ryder Cup teammate Robert MacIntyre, after the Scot finished three shots ahead of McIlroy to win the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday.
MacIntyre’s victory was his first ever on the PGA Tour, eventually being crowned champion by a single shot ahead of runner-up Ben Griffin. Two shots further back came McIlroy, whose impressive six-under-par 64 in the final round proved too little too late for the two-time champion.
McIlroy left himself with plenty of work to do heading into the final round, starting the day seven shots behind MacIntyre. He immediately got his name into the conversation though following a hot start on day four.
The four-time major champion made four birdies in six holes to move into contention, after the 54-hole leader, MacIntyre made bogey on his first hole. McIlroy’s birdie train soon slowed down though, as he would only add two more to his score over the next 12 holes to fall short of his Ryder Cup teammate.
MacIntyre meanwhile held his nerve, carding a two-under 68 to ensure he finally ended his wait for a win on the PGA Tour. The Oban-born star recently made the move over to the United States after securing full playing status on the PGA Tour thanks to his 2023 Race to Dubai finish.
Life in the States has taken some getting used to for MacIntyre though, who had struggled to find his best form prior to the trip to Canada. Just last month the Scot opened up on his recent struggles, admitting he found life out on the PGA Tour ‘lonely’, missing his friends and family back in Europe.
Robert MacIntyre and Dougie MacIntyre
Robert MacIntyre won the Canadian Open on Sunday
He had a familiar face with him this week though, after his dad, Dougie stood in as caddie, as the father-son duo landed an emotional victory. Gracious in falling short, tied-fourth McIlroy was full of praise for his fellow European. “I mean, Bob and I, we’re separated by a body of water in the Irish Sea, but we’re actually not that far away from each other where we grew up in Oban and Belfast,” McIlroy said.
“I can absolutely understand. It’s a big culture shock compared to the place where he grew up in Oban. You know, traveling around America, it’s a different world. Some people adapt a little quicker than others. Everyone has to try to find their right rhythm.”
Speaking in the moments leading up to MacIntyre’s crowning moment, McIlroy added: “It looks like Bob’s still figuring that out. It would be great to see him hang on and get that first PGA Tour win.” For the Scot, the victory was an extra special one with his dad on the bag.
“Goose bumps,” MacIntyre said of his win. “It’s incredible. It’s a dream of mine to play golf for a living. It’s been a dream of mine to win on the PGA Tour, when I got my PGA Tour card, and I just can’t believe I done it with my dad on the bag. The guy’s taught me the way I play golf.”
