Summary
Robert MacIntyre took the Dunhill Links Championship on Sunday, earning his second European Tour title in two years in his native Scotland. The win caps a successful return to form after being part of the European team that won the Ryder Cup last week. “It’s a beautiful end to a good week,” said MacIntyre, who carded his third consecutive 6-under 66, this time facing strong winds on the Old Course at St. Andrews, allowing him to secure a four-shot victory in the home of golf. He had earlier achieved similar successes at Carnoustie and Kingsbarns during the week.
Due to inclement weather, the third round was postponed on Saturday, turning the event, a pro-am played on three of Scotland's finest links courses, into a 54-hole tournament. MacIntyre, ranked ninth, finished the week at 18 under par and had won the Scottish Open last year at The Renaissance Club, his previous victory in individual competition.
Last week, at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, he earned 1.5 points for Europe, where he faced much more adverse conditions than those he encountered at home this week. “I don't know how we're going to celebrate after the celebrations we had last Sunday,” he said. “We'll give it our best shot.”
Key details
MacIntyre steered clear of trouble on the links, primarily avoiding the sand bunkers that dot the courses, and arrived in Scotland with moderate expectations. “I laughed as we were driving back to the clubhouse in the buggy,” he shared. “I’ve done the complete opposite of what I normally do this week in terms of preparation. I arrived Wednesday afternoon. I know the golf courses. I played 12 holes on Wednesday. My diet hasn’t been great this week, I can confirm that. I’ve eaten a lot of takeaways, fish and chips, and so on. But sometimes, when you least expect it, things happen.”
Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton, another member of the European team, shot a 65 at St. Andrews to move up to second place, one stroke ahead of John Parry (66 at St. Andrews) and Richard Sterne (71 at Carnoustie). Tommy Fleetwood, Europe's top scorer in New York with four points, shot a 70 on the Old Course to finish at 9 under par, nine shots behind MacIntyre.
Celebrities participating in the pro-am included Bill Murray, Michael Douglas, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, as well as sports great Wayne Gretzky.