MacIntyre shot three rounds of 66 at Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and the Old Course to shoot 18-under 198 at an event that was shortened to 54 holes because the entire third round was cancelled because of dangerous winds.
Winless in two years, Cameron Smith has returned to the site of his dramatic maiden major triumph in the hopes of recapturing the form that saw him hoist the Claret Jug at the 150th Open St Andrews’ Old Course in 2022.
Rory McIlroy delighted the fans on Friday by driving the green at Kingsbarns’ par-4 14th hole. Robert MacIntyre, however, didn’t seem as happy about it.
Exactly what was being said between the two main protagonists in their many private moments will remain something of a mystery. Neither man had anything to say publicly at the conclusion of their rounds.
It wasn’t the opening round they were hoping for, but the elder McIlroy did provide one of the early highlights of the tournament, chipping in from the rough on the seventh hole for a long par save.
The Kiwi’s second DP World Tour victory of the season surely sent a message to the captain of the International team at last week’s Presidents Cup, Trevor Immelman.
A little more than three months on from the 150th Open Championship, the ever-moving caravan that is professional golf is back at the Old Course in St. Andrews. But don’t expect this week’s Dunhill Links Championship to look anything like the game’s oldest major.
Australian Golf Digest
