Robert MacIntyre Reflects on Emotional Victory at Canadian Open 2024: “This Win Means Everything

Scottish Golfer Robert MacIntyre Clinches First PGA Tour Title at RBC Canadian Open

HAMILTON, Ontario — In a gripping final round at the RBC Canadian Open, Robert MacIntyre, with his father Dougie by his side as his caddie and a persistent television drone hovering nearby, emerged victorious for his first PGA Tour title.

 

In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, Robert MacIntyre clinched the 2024 Canadian Open, capturing his first PGA Tour victory. Speaking to the media after his triumphant performance, MacIntyre shared his emotional journey and what this victory signifies for his career.

“This win means everything to me,” MacIntyre said, his voice filled with pride and relief. “I’ve worked tirelessly for this moment, and to see it all come together here in Canada is just incredible. The support from the fans was phenomenal, and I couldn’t have asked for a sked for a better atmosphere to achieve this milestone.”

🎙️ @Robert1Lefty speaks to the media following his first PGA TOUR victory @RBCCanadianOpen. pic.twitter.com/Ely30EU0WR

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 3, 2024

 

MacIntyre, who began the final round with a four-stroke lead, managed to secure the win with a 2-under 68, narrowly beating his playing partner Ben Griffin by a single stroke. The climax came on the par-4 18th, where the 27-year-old Scottish left-hander two-putted from 12 feet, sealing his victory with a 1½-foot putt for par.

 

Reflecting on his triumph, MacIntyre expressed his amazement, saying, “Goose bumps. 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. … I just can’t believe I done it with my dad on the bag. The guy’s taught me the way I play golf.”

 

This victory marks a significant milestone for MacIntyre, who finished at 16-under 264. This was his breakthrough win in his 45th PGA Tour start. A former McNeese State player, MacIntyre was also a key member of Europe’s winning 2023 Ryder Cup team and boasts two European Tour victories: the 2020 Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Showdown and the 2022 Italian Open.

 

The final round was anything but easy, as MacIntyre found himself in a fierce contest with Ben Griffin. “I was in a dog fight there,” MacIntyre admitted. “Obviously, Ben made it difficult coming in the stretch. He played well. It’s just incredible to do this with my dad on the bag and have my girlfriend here, and I’m sure there’s a party going on back home in Oban.”

 

A notable distraction during the round was a television drone that MacIntyre found too close and noisy. “If it didn’t go away, I was going to start throwing my clubs at it,” he said. “That’s how annoyed I was getting. … I mean, it’s a big wasp. I asked them to get rid of it. They did.”

 

MacIntyre’s father, Dougie, stepped in as caddie on short notice after Robert had gone through a series of caddies over the past year. “This week, when I phoned him to come and caddie for me, to be honest, I was just coming here to play a golf tournament,” MacIntyre said. “There was no expectation. There was a lot going on with visas and stuff during the week, and to win it with him on the bag is just — to be honest, I still can’t believe that it happened.”

 

The victory was deeply emotional for both father and son. “Everything that I’ve done in my life has been with the support of my family,” MacIntyre shared. “The game of golf was kind of passed down the generations. I got it from my dad. … We’ve got a house between where you cross the road for four holes over the road at Glencruitten and we used to go out every night in the summer, no matter the weather. We would play four holes every night. He taught me the game of golf.”

 

Dougie MacIntyre echoed his son’s sentiments during a televised interview with CBS Sports, saying, “Unbelievable. I’m a grass cutter … it’s unbelievable.”

 

Ben Griffin, who finished with a 65, parred the 18th hole after birdieing the previous three. “I fought hard,” Griffin said. “It felt like there was a lid on the cup for most of the day for me. I hit so many pretty good putts, I wouldn’t say like striped putts, but pretty good putts and just kept burning edges. A couple bad putts, but stayed patient.”

 

Victor Perez of France claimed third place at 14 under after his second consecutive 64. Two-time Canadian Open champion Rory McIlroy also shot 64, tying for fourth with Tom Kim (64) at 13 under. McIlroy, reflecting on his performance, said, “Three really good rounds of golf, one not so good one. Felt a little out of sorts on Friday. Did a good range session and sort of rectified it.”

 

Canadian golfers also had notable finishes, with Mackenzie Hughes ending one shot back after a 70 and Corey Conners expressing pride despite not winning the trophy. “Definitely something to be proud of,” Conners said. “Yeah, obviously disappointing to not win the big trophy, but, yeah, it’s a cool honor.”

 

The 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion, Nick Taylor, previously made history with a dramatic 72-foot eagle putt in a playoff, becoming the first Canadian winner since 1954. This year’s tournament continued to deliver memorable moments and thrilling competition, culminating in MacIntyre’s unforgettable victory.