Bob MacIntyre’s High Praise for Rory McIlroy Ahead of US Open

Bob MacIntyre’s High Praise for Rory McIlroy Ahead of US Open

From Oban to PGA Stardom: How McIlroy’s Mentorship Shaped MacIntyre’s Journey

Bob MacIntyre reached a career milestone by clinching the Canadian Open title last week, a victory that highlighted the significant influence Rory McIlroy has had on his journey. The Scotsman openly expressed his gratitude towards McIlroy after the Northern Irishman offered encouraging words at Hamilton Golf and Country Club.

McIlroy, who was in pursuit of MacIntyre during the final round, commended the young golfer despite falling short. “I can absolutely understand,” McIlroy shared with CBS. “It’s a big culture shock compared to the place where he grew up in Oban. Travelling around America, it’s a different world. Some people adapt a little quicker than others. Everyone has to try to find their right rhythm. 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.”

MacIntyre, who has been navigating the complexities of life in America since moving from the DP World Tour, managed to hold his ground and secure his first PGA Tour win, edging out Ben Griffin by a single stroke. At just 27, he acknowledges the profound impact McIlroy has had on his career.

“He’s been someone that I’ve looked up to for years,” MacIntyre revealed. “Obviously, when I was still an amateur, I was watching him win majors, win PGA Tour events, win European Tour events. He was unbelievable and he still is. He is one of the best, if not the best of our generation.”

MacIntyre cherishes the personal relationship he’s developed with McIlroy, describing him as more of a friend than just a fellow competitor. “He’s someone that I feel like I could pick up the phone to and he’s open and honest with me and he’ll help me. To me, he’s just been an all-round, good guy and I just treat him like a friend rather than a work colleague.”

This camaraderie extends beyond the course. “I sat with him and Shane [Lowry] before they went out on the Sunday at the Zurich [Classic of New Orleans]. And they both just asked me about how I was finding life in Orlando, and we’re open and honest about it. He speaks to me and asks me life questions rather than golf questions.”

Choosing to prioritize time with his family, MacIntyre skipped the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village to better prepare for the US Open at Pinehurst No. 2. Despite the momentum from his recent win, MacIntyre remains grounded.

“It’s a major, it’s a massive event, but for me, I try to treat it as another golf tournament,” he stated. “I’ve been working hard on the fundamental side of the game and trying to let the outcome be the outcome and not try and win golf tournaments. I try and do everything that you can do that’ll lead to winning golf tournaments, which I did last week. My job next week is to go out there and play golf and try to get into a position coming into the Sunday. Who knows where the cards fall?”

As MacIntyre prepares for the US Open, his journey from Oban to the heights of the PGA Tour, guided by the mentorship of icons like McIlroy, continues to captivate and inspire.