For the first time in his career, Robert MacIntyre can call himself a PGA Tour champion after winning the RBC Canadien open by one stroke (-16). MacIntyre’s colorful final round 68 (-2) was just enough to hold off a crowded leaderboard with names like Rory McIlroy, Tom Kim & Corey Connors trailing close behind. MacIntyre, who started the day with a four-shot lead, opened the door to the field with bogeys on holes 12 & 13. MacIntyre brought a heightened sense of focus into the final round that was audible and visible to the viewers at home. On what felt like every hole, CBS microphones picked up MacIntrye instructing the gallery and/or the volunteers to stand still, move out of his sightline, or to just flat out be quiet. His issues even came with the CBS drone capturing overhead shots of Hamilton Golf & Country Club, telling a CBS spotter on multiple occasions that the drone was distracting him as he threatened to get a rules official involved. To which Jim Nantz responded on the broadcast, “If you are going to play at the highest level of golf, you need to be able to handle these types of potential distractions.” For context, those drones sound like a group of floating box-fans buzzing above. To MacIntyre’s credit, they are far from silent and can be distracting to someone trying to win a golf tournament.
One advantage that MacIntyre had over the field was his familiarity playing in the soggy and foggy conditions present on Sunday. MacIntyre, who was raised in Scotland, must’ve felt like he was playing on his home turf. Not only because of the stark similarities in the weather, but he also had a familiar face with him all week. Robert MacIntyre enlisted the caddying services of his father, Dougie, who’s full-time work comes as the head greenskeeper at Glencruitten Golf Club in Oban, Scotland. Dougie was a last-minute addition to Robert’s bag, and the two made the most of what turned into a historical weekend in the world of golf.
The win did not come without drama. MacIntyre, whose round could only be described as a roller coaster, started with a bogey as it seemed he needed time to settle in. However, after birdies on holes 4, 7, 8 & 11, it felt like he was going to run away with it. But bogeys on 12 & 13 along with birdies from players only a few strokes behind, the tournament shifted. A rare birdie on the 18th hole from Victor Perez cut MacIntyre’s lead to one. Simultaneously, MacIntyres playing partner Ben Griffin, rallied off three straight birdies on 15, 16 & 17 to also draw within one. MacIntyre was well-aware of where he stood as he gazed upon the electronic scoreboards strewn throughout the course. Standing on the 18th tee box, MacIntyre needed a par or better himself, and a par or worse from Griffin to secure the victory. Griffin’s second shot with a 5-iron went about five yards past the green, taking a substantial amount of pressure off of MacIntyre’s second shot. Griffin two-putted for par as Robert was able to hit the green and make a two-putt par for his first career PGA Tour title.
Tears of joy flowed as Robert and his father embraced on the 18th green, a special moment for all fathers and sons watching. MacIntyre now has a two-year exemption on tour meaning he qualifies for every PGA event in 2024 & 25. He also earns a one-year exemption into all four majors (The Masters, The PGA Championship, The US Open & The Open Championship). MacIntyre becomes just the third Scot to win on the PGA Tour since 2000.
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