Local hero Robert MacIntyre will play in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews in October trying to become the first Scottish winner of the prestigious event at the Home of Golf since Colin Montgomerie in 2005. And to help him he will have his dad Dougie alongside to urge him on.
At the Canadian Open in June, Dougie carried Bob’s bag as he famously won his first PGA TOUR victory. But this time Dougie will be bringing his clubs to partner Bob in the Team Championship
“I’m really looking forward to playing at St Andrews," MacIntyre said. "I can’t believe there hasn’t been a Scottish winner since 2005. It would be great if I could change that. I’m also incredibly thrilled to be able to play with my dad on the Old Course in the Team Championship.
“For us to play together in a proper Championship at the Home of Golf, is just amazing. It was a very special moment for us when Dad was on the bag in Hamilton and we won. Now we can see what we can do together with clubs in our hands.”
MacIntyre says the impact Dougie, who is course manager at Glencruitten golf club near Oban, a short distance from the family home, has had on his career over the years has been immense.
Dougie is also steeped in local shinty history having scored twice in Oban Camanachd’s victory over Kingussie in the final of the Camanachd Cup in 1996. He is currently manager of Oban Celtic.
MacIntyre has had a brilliant season, also winning the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in July. Victory at St Andrews will give him a memorable double and make him the toast of Scottish golf.
The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is a celebration of Links golf, played over the Old Course St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, from October 3 – 6.
With a prize fund of US$5 million, the event incorporates two separate competitions - an Individual Professional tournament for the world's leading golfers and the Team Championship in which the professionals are paired with amateur golfers, creating a unique atmosphere.
Last year England’s Matt Fitzpatrick won the Individual Professional title and partnered his mum Sue to victory in the Team Championship. It was the first time a mother and son have won, so Bob and Dougie will have a target to aim for to match that.
Among the golfers who have graced the fairways over the years as well as Bob MacIntyre and Matt Fitzpatrick are Major Championship winners such as Rory McIlroy, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry, Brooks Koepka, Justin Rose, Sir Nick Faldo and Martin Kaymer. Other popular golfers to have played are two-time winner Tyrrell Hatton, 2022 winner Ryan Fox, Tommy Fleetwood and Americans Billy Horschel and Tony Finau.
For the first three days entry is FREE, tickets are not needed. Only tickets for the final day, Sunday, October 6, on the Old Course, need to be purchased. To purchase tickets, visit: https://www.alfreddunhilllinks.com/tickets/
In June 2011 the Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation was established as the official Foundation of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. The Foundation is committed to developing young amateur golfers in Scotland and South Africa and also supports the University of St Andrews and the St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation, which refurbishes and preserves historical monuments in the town.
