North East
Former world No 1 Scott looked a certain winner at this point, especially with MacIntyre driving into heavy rough on the par-five 16th. After taking a practice swing, however, MacIntyre discovered a sprinkler near his ball.
The Ryder Cup star was allowed a free drop and took full advantage, hitting a stunning approach from 247 yards to six feet and calmly rolling in the eagle putt before sealing the win with a birdie on the last. He becomes the first Scot to win his home title since Colin Montgomerie at Loch Lomond in 1999.
MacIntyre, who let out a roar of delight after his winning birdie, told Sky Sports: “I think I lost my voice after the scream on that hole. I thought I was short. I’ve put a lot of work into this. I’ve changed a lot within the team and I’ve just worked hard.
“I wanted The Scottish Open,” added the 27-year-old, who grew up in Oban. “I got a bit of luck on 16 that you need to win golf tournaments. I couldn’t believe when I heard a sprinkler under my foot. It was covered and I thought: I got lucky, it was meant to be.”
MacIntyre will now head to Royal Troon for the Open, but made his focus for the next few days clear. “Next week is a new week but I tell you, I’m going to celebrate this with my family, friends, and everyone here. I’m going to celebrate this one hard. We’ll pitch up to the Open when we pitch up to the Open.”
Scott had set the target with a closing 67, the 43-year-old with seven birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey. Scott looked set to win his first title since the Genesis Invitational in February 2020 before MacIntyre’s dramatic late surge.
“There was a lot of good stuff for me this week,” Scott said. “It’s hard to complain about anything. It’s the first time I’ve been in contention this year. I like where my game is headed going into next week. I feel like I’m playing at a high level.
“I’m pleased for Bob This is a big win. I played with him yesterday, and you can hear them singing over there. I think that’s awesome for him and hopefully I can take some good form into next week.”
McIlroy finished in a six-way tie for fourth on 14-under following a closing 68, with Åberg also on the same score after a disappointing 73. France’s Romain Langasque finished third, two shots behind Scott and one ahead of the group featuring McIlroy.
England’s Aaron Rai (14 under) and Sweden’s Alex Noren (13 under) earned places at next week’s Open, along with Richard Mansell, who hit 10 birdies to equal the course record with a round of 63.
The Gaurdian
