Bob MacIntyre gesture causes fury in Scottish Open win and revenge on McIlroy

Bob MacIntyre achieved a childhood dream on Sunday by winning the Scottish Open in front of a home crowd, but only after a controversial moment in his final round.

In an epic battle with Adam Scott, the Ryder Cup star capitalised on the Australian missing a birdie putt on the last as he finished 18 under par, just one shot clear of his rival.

By tasting glory at the Renaissance Club, MacIntyre became their first Scottish player to lift the trophy since Colin Montgomerie in 1999.

And his win was made sweeter by light of the fact he agonisingly missed out last year to Rory McIlroy, who could only finish tied for fourth this time around, four shots off the 27-year-old.

The critical moment on Sunday came on the 16th hole, after MacIntyre’s wayward drive on the 572-yard par five had nestled in deep rough. But he was then given a huge boost after officials allowed him to take a free drop after ruling his ball was too close to a sprinkler head.

And the player took full advantage. Initially facing the prospect of a chip back onto the fairway, instead MacIntyre was able to reach the green with his second shot, and duly nailed his approach before sinking the putt for an eagle.

But while his win proved popular with the crowd at North Berwick, some golf fans were left fuming with the dubious ruling. And on social media, debate soon raged as to whether the incident should force the DP World and PGA Tour to review regulations over free drops.

Referring to the original lie, @Top100Rick wrote on X: “He would have been lucky to advance the ball 50 yards. Could have been a disaster.” Including images of MacIntyre’s lie before and after his drop, he added: “Robbie did NOTHING WRONG. But the rule is stupid. If you aren’t in the fairway, you should have to recreate your lie after sprinkler head relief. Simple.”

@SenseiBear44 wrote: “I like Bob McIntyre but getting a drop in two foot of rough is utter nonsense and makes a joke of the game.” @jrid6996 said: “Too many instances of ‘relief’ putting the player in a much better position. Doesn’t seem right.”

MacIntyre still had work to after his stroke of luck, and in a spectacular finish, notched a birdie three on the last to seal victory. It completed a dramatic turnaround after the Scot, seemingly out of the running, had fired a sublime round of 63 on Saturday to play his way into contention.

It left him two shots off the lead as he teed off on Sunday, and after completing his comeback MacIntyre admitted he struggled to keep his emotions in check. “I had a tear in my eye before I hit the putt,” he said.

“I was getting emotional before I read the putt. I still I had a job to do. This was the one I wanted, and it was the one I got. I can’t believe it’s happened.”