Scottish Open: Home hero Robert MacIntyre secures one-shot win

Robert MacIntyre made up for last year’s Scottish Open heartbreak as he snatched a stunning victory on home soil amid rapturous scenes.

The Scot, runner-up 12 months ago after Rory McIlroy’s brilliant birdie-birdie finish, drained a 22-foot birdie putt on the last to reach 18 under and edge out Adam Scott by a shot.

It completed a late surge to glory by MacIntyre, who gained four strokes in his closing five holes in a three-under 67 to secure the title he craved.

The left-hander capitalised on a huge slice of fortune on the par-five 16th when he drove into thick rough and his ball landed next to a sprinkler head, allowing him a free drop to a more favourable lie where he got down in two from almost 250 yards to make eagle.

Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg, who had led from the halfway stage, struggled to a three-over 73 as Australia’s Scott – chasing his first title in four years – set the target.

But MacIntyre was not to be denied again as he added his second PGA Tour title after last month’s Canadian Open success.

That landmark success was special for the 27-year-old but it paled in comparison to the elation of victory in front of a large and passionate home crowd, who belted out ‘Flower of Scotland’ after the winning putt dropped as MacIntyre revelled in the celebrations.

Frenchman Romain Langasque finished third on 15 under, with McIlroy and Aberg a further shot back.

MacIntyre’s victory is his third on the DP World Tour, with the Scottish Open a co-sanctioned event.

He has another home engagement next – The Open at Royal Troon starting on Thursday – but is “going to celebrate this one hard”.

“It’s incredible,” he said. “Next week is a new week but I tell you, I’m going to celebrate this with my family, friends, and everyone here.

“We’ll pitch up to The Open when we pitch up to The Open.”