[PHOTO: Vaughn Ridley]
Father’s Day is still three months away – and a fortnight away in America – but Robert MacIntyre decided to give his old man his gift a little bit early.
That gift came in the form of his maiden PGA Tour win at the RBC Canadian Open, where MacIntyre’s father, Dougie, admirably filled in this week as his son’s emergency looper. After rounds of 64, 66 and 66, the 27-year-old Scotsman closed with a 68 at Hamilton Golf & Country Club in Ontario, good enough for a one-shot victory over Ben Griffin.
Naturally, after MacIntyre holed the final putt on the 72nd green, he immediately looked at his dad in disbelief, raising his arms to the sky before a big bear hug. The literal tears of joy soon followed.
The clubs Robert MacIntyre used to win the 2024 RBC Canadian Open
“I’m speechless, to be honest,” MacIntyre said as he attempted to hold himself together. “It’s just everything for me and my family, my girlfriend, my team. I can’t believe I’ve done it with him on the bag.
“I’m crying with joy, but I’m laughing because I didn’t think it was possible.”
It certainly didn’t even seem feasible last Saturday evening, when Dougie had just finished up his day of work as a greenskeeper at Glencruitten Golf Course in the MacIntyre’s hometown of Oban, Scotland. His phone rang that night and it was his son, who was in need. Dougie then did what any parent would do when their child needs them – he showed up. And now they have a memory together that will last a lifetime.
“I’m a grass-cutter,” Dougie said. “Not a caddie. Honestly, it’s unbelievable. Last Saturday I thought, ‘Can I leave my job?’ Eight o’clock the next morning, I’m on a flight here. Wow.”
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The moment was made extra special by the fact that, earlier this season, MacIntyre lamented the fact that the PGA Tour can be a lonely place, and that he was homesick. Oban is a very small town that most people never leave, and MacIntyre advanced from there to the familial DP World Tour, which he has said is more his style than the business-like PGA Tour. The scene on the 72nd green at Hamilton was about as familial as it gets.
“It’s the guy that taught me the game of golf,” MacIntyre said. “And I just can’t believe I’ve done it with him on the bag.”
Oddly enough, after MacIntyre opened with a 64, he told the media that while his father is a fine golfer himself, he was a bit “out of his depth” at this level. But sometimes keeping it simple can be the secret sauce, which is exactly what Dougie did all week, including on the final hole today, when MacIntyre smoked a 3-wood down the right side of the fairway and then stuffed a 7-iron to 11 feet for a two-putt par.
Dougie’s message to his son on the final hole? Stay focused, swing smooth. As simple as it gets.
“Yesterday, I was too fast and I wasn’t listening to him,” MacIntyre said. “I was like, I’m going to win this thing.”Â
By listening to Dad, he did just that, which makes you wonder if Dougie should stick around and loop a little bit longer. No go, says Bob. A one-and-done affair that will never be spoiled. Plus, Dougie has a real job back home.
“Dad’s on a flight home Monday. Me and my girlfriend might go home and have a hell of a party,” MacIntyre said. “The whole support I’ve had from Scotland, mainly my family, I honestly can’t believe this.”
