Robert MacIntyre
Robert MacIntyre (born 3 August 1996) is a Scottish professional golfer who competes on both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, renowned for his left-handed play and rapid rise in the sport. Hailing from Oban, he turned professional in 2017 after a standout amateur career and college stint at McNeese State University, where he transitioned from shinty—a traditional Scottish sport—to dedicating himself to golf at age 17.[1][2][3] MacIntyre secured his maiden European Tour victory in 2020 at the Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Showdown and has since amassed four wins on the circuit, including the prestigious 2024 Genesis Scottish Open—his first Rolex Series title and the first by a Scotsman since 1999—and a defense of his national pride with the 2025 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship victory in Scotland.[2][4][5] On the PGA Tour, he claimed his first two titles in 2024: the RBC Canadian Open, where he held off a strong field with a final-round 68, and the Genesis Scottish Open, solidifying his status as a major contender.[6][3] In major championships, MacIntyre finished as runner-up at the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont, two strokes behind J.J. Spaun after a grueling tournament played in rainy conditions.[7] A key member of Europe's Ryder Cup teams, MacIntyre debuted in 2023—helping secure a victory—and returned in 2025 at Bethpage Black with a 1–1–1 record (1.5 points from three matches), contributing to Europe's triumphant 15–13 win over the United States—his second in automatic qualifying standings—and bringing his career Ryder Cup record to 3–1–2.[8][9] As of November 2025, he ranks 7th in the Official World Golf Ranking, reflecting his consistent top-10 finishes and emergence as one of golf's elite talents.[10]Early life
Upbringing and family
Robert MacIntyre was born on 3 August 1996 in Oban, a small coastal town in Argyll and Bute, Scotland.[11] He grew up in a close-knit family, with his father, Dougie MacIntyre, serving as the head greenkeeper at the local Glencruitten Golf Club for over two decades, which provided early and constant access to the sport.[12][13] His mother, Carol, and father were longtime foster parents, raising MacIntyre alongside several foster siblings, including younger foster brothers Dan and Tom, as well as biological sisters Gillian and Nicola.[14][15][16] This family dynamic fostered a strong emphasis on support and community in their modest household overlooking the golf course.[12][17] Oban's tight-knit environment, with its population of around 8,500 and focus on local traditions, shaped MacIntyre's early years, where familial encouragement played a pivotal role in his development amid the town's coastal, working-class backdrop.[18][19] By age 17, this foundation led him to prioritize golf more intensely.[2]Introduction to golf
Robert MacIntyre was introduced to golf by his father, Dougie, who served as the head greenkeeper at Glencruitten Golf Club in Oban, Scotland, with the family home located directly adjacent to the course. Dougie taught his son the basics of the game during casual rounds on the club's 18-hole, par-62 layout, often playing just the four holes behind their house alongside family members.[20] This early exposure to the hilly, links-style terrain fostered MacIntyre's initial interest in golf, complementing the family's longstanding connection to the club.[21][22] Though MacIntyre's primary sporting passion in his early teens was shinty—a traditional Scottish stick-and-ball game—he shifted his focus to golf around age 17, leaving school to pursue it full-time. This commitment marked a turning point, allowing him to train intensively and prioritize the sport over his previous athletic pursuits, including competitive shinty with the local Oban Camanachd club.[22][2] Early coaching from local professionals at Glencruitten helped shape MacIntyre's development, with particular emphasis on building a strong short game suited to the course's demanding conditions. Through consistent practice and club-level play, he rapidly improved his overall proficiency, reducing his handicap and gaining confidence in local performances that prepared him for structured junior events.[23]Amateur career
Youth and junior successes
Robert MacIntyre demonstrated exceptional talent in youth golf from a young age, particularly in 2013 when he became the first player to win both the Scottish Boys Open Stroke-Play Championship and the Scottish Youths Championship in the same year.[24][25] In the Scottish Boys Open Stroke-Play Championship at Glencruitten Golf Club, the 16-year-old MacIntyre fired three consecutive rounds of 66 to finish at 18 under par, claiming a dominant nine-shot victory over the field.[26] At the Scottish Youths Championship held at The Roxburghe Golf Course, he mounted a dramatic comeback with a final-round 67—three under par—to secure the title after trailing entering the last day.[27][28] These national triumphs marked MacIntyre's breakthrough in under-18 competitions and showcased his burgeoning skill under pressure. Building on his early training at local clubs like Glencruitten, where he honed his game, he began representing Scotland in junior international matches.[29] MacIntyre competed for Scotland in the European Boys' Team Championship in 2013 at Murcar Links, where the team sat second after the opening day and advanced to the semifinals, and again in 2014.[30][31] He also featured for Great Britain and Ireland in the 2013 Jacques Léglise Trophy against the Continent of Europe at Royal St David's Golf Club, contributing to a 15–9 victory in the under-18 match-play event.[32][33] His strong performances in these under-18 events and European junior tournaments provided crucial international experience, fostering a competitive mindset through high-stakes team play and individual successes that built his confidence for future challenges.[33][25]Senior amateur achievements
In 2014 and 2015, MacIntyre attended McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where he competed collegiately and won the 2015 Sam Hall Intercollegiate.[33] MacIntyre's transition to senior amateur competition brought immediate success, highlighted by his victory in the 2015 Scottish Amateur Championship at Muirfield, where he defeated compatriot Daniel Young in the final after a dramatic comeback from three holes down with four to play.[34] This triumph marked him as the first left-handed winner of the title in living memory and solidified his status among Scotland's top amateurs.[35] The following year, MacIntyre reached the final of The Amateur Championship at Royal Porthcawl, falling short against England's Scott Gregory by 2&1 after a strong semifinal performance.[36] He also contributed to Scotland's retention of the European Amateur Team Championship title that summer, helping secure the win in the team event while finishing tied for fourth individually at -13 in the European Amateur Championship.[37] These results elevated him to No. 10 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking and earned him recognition as Scotland's top amateur.[38] MacIntyre capped his amateur career by representing Great Britain & Ireland in the 2017 Walker Cup at Los Angeles Country Club, where the team suffered a 19–7 defeat to the United States.[39] Personally, he posted a 1–1–1 record across three matches: a 6&4 singles victory over Cameron Champ on Saturday, a 3&2 loss in Sunday morning foursomes (with partner Matthew Jordan against Doug Ghim and Maverick McNealy), and a halve in Sunday singles against Cameron Champ.[2][40] Buoyed by the international exposure but eager to pursue professional opportunities, MacIntyre turned pro immediately after the event in October 2017, forgoing further amateur commitments.[41]Professional career
Early professional years (2018–2022)
Robert MacIntyre turned professional in October 2017 following his participation in the Walker Cup, marking the end of his amateur career. Shortly after, he competed in the final stage of the European Tour Qualifying School in November 2017, finishing tied for 37th to secure a card for the 2018 Challenge Tour season.[41][42] In 2018, MacIntyre enjoyed a strong rookie season on the Challenge Tour, highlighted by his first victory on the circuit at the Farmfoods Scottish Challenge. This win, held at Close House Golf Club in England, came in August and boosted his momentum as he adapted to professional competition. He accumulated multiple top-10 finishes that propelled him to 12th on the season-ending Rankings, earning automatic promotion to the DP World Tour for 2019. His consistent play demonstrated a steady rise in form and helped him climb the Official World Golf Ranking from outside the top 800 to 148th by year's end.[2][43] MacIntyre's 2019 debut on the DP World Tour was equally impressive, as he secured the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award after finishing 11th on the Race to Dubai standings. He recorded seven top-10 results across 30 starts, making 25 cuts and showcasing reliability in a highly competitive field. This performance solidified his position as an emerging talent, though he awaited a breakthrough victory on the main tour.[44] The 2020 season brought MacIntyre's first DP World Tour title at the Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Showdown, a co-sanctioned event with the MENA Golf Tour that was shortened due to COVID-19 restrictions. He closed with a 64 in the final round to win by one stroke, carding a total of 17-under par and earning points toward the Race to Dubai. Despite the pandemic disrupting the schedule, MacIntyre made consistent cuts throughout the year, posting solid results that contributed to a gradual improvement in his world ranking to the top 100 by late 2021. His early professional years were characterized by steady progress, building a foundation for future success without major breakthroughs until later campaigns.Breakthrough season (2023)
MacIntyre's 2023 season on the DP World Tour marked a significant breakthrough, as he delivered consistent performances that elevated his standing in the global game. After a slow start, he found his form mid-year, recording multiple top-10 finishes that showcased his growing confidence and skill. Notable results included a tie for sixth at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in October, where he finished at 14-under par, and a tie for fourth at the Czech Masters in August, carding 17-under to help secure valuable Race to Dubai points. These efforts, combined with steady play in other events, allowed him to build momentum and demonstrate improved consistency across various course conditions. His qualification for the Ryder Cup came via a runner-up finish at the Italian Open. In the event at Marco Simone Golf Club, he went unbeaten with a 2-0-1 record, contributing 2.5 points to Europe's victory.[45][46][47] His strong finish to the year at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, where he tied for 18th at 11-under par, propelled him to 10th in the final Race to Dubai rankings. This position earned him one of the 10 available PGA Tour cards for the 2024 season, granting dual membership and access to the American circuit for the first time. The achievement was a pivotal moment, reflecting his rise from earlier struggles on the tour and positioning him for expanded opportunities against the world's elite.[48] In major championships, MacIntyre showed signs of improved contention, making the cut at the Masters Tournament for the second straight year with a tie for 33rd finish at 3-over par. Although he missed the cut at the PGA Championship and finished tied for 71st at The Open Championship, these appearances highlighted his increasing comfort in high-pressure environments. Off the course, his season culminated in a career-high year-end ranking of 57th in the Official World Golf Ranking, entering the top 60 for the first time and underscoring his rapid ascent.[49][50]PGA Tour victories (2024)
In June 2024, Robert MacIntyre secured his maiden PGA Tour victory at the RBC Canadian Open, held at Hamilton Golf & Country Club in Ontario.[51] Trailing by four shots entering the final round, MacIntyre posted a 2-under-par 68, featuring key birdies on the back nine, to finish at 16-under for the tournament and edge out Ben Griffin by one stroke.[51] His father, Dougie MacIntyre, served as his caddie for the week, adding an emotional layer to the dramatic comeback that propelled him into the top 40 of the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time.[52] Just one month later, in July 2024, MacIntyre achieved a second PGA Tour triumph at the co-sanctioned Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland, marking the first Scottish winner of the event since 1999.[53] Starting the final round two shots behind Adam Scott, he carded a 4-under 66, highlighted by a clutch birdie on the 72nd hole from 15 feet to win by one stroke at 18-under par.[53] This home-soil victory, fulfilling a lifelong dream, elevated him into the top 20 of the Official World Golf Ranking.[54]Major contention and Ryder Cup win (2025)
In 2025, Robert MacIntyre emerged as a strong contender in major championships, highlighted by his runner-up finish at the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club. Despite challenging conditions including rain delays, MacIntyre posted a final-round 68 to finish at 1-over par, two strokes behind winner J.J. Spaun, marking his best major result to date.[55][56] He followed this with a tied-seventh place at The Open Championship at Royal Portrush, where he carded a final-round 67 to end at 10-under par, buoyed by strong play on the familiar links course.[57] MacIntyre's consistent performance extended to the PGA Tour, where he secured six top-10 finishes throughout the season, including runner-up at the BMW Championship. This form propelled him into the world's top 10 for the first time in August, reaching a career-high seventh in the Official World Golf Ranking by November.[1][10] Off the PGA Tour, he claimed victory at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in October, his fourth DP World Tour title, holding off challengers in windy conditions across Scotland's St. Andrews, Kingsbarns, and Carnoustie courses to finish at 17-under par.[2][58] He closed the year with a T9 at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and T8 at the DP World Tour Championship, finishing 5th in the Race to Dubai.[59] MacIntyre played a pivotal role in Europe's successful defense of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, contributing to a narrow 15–13 victory over the United States. Paired notably with Viktor Hovland, he went 1–1–1 across three matches (two foursomes and one singles), earning 1.5 points with a foursomes win, a foursomes loss, and a singles half against Sam Burns that helped secure the clinching point.[60][61] His year-end seventh ranking positioned him strongly for contention in future majors, building on a season of sustained excellence.[1]Personal life
Family and relationships
Robert MacIntyre shares a close relationship with his parents, Dougie and Carol, who have been pivotal in his personal and professional development. Dougie MacIntyre serves as the head greenskeeper at Glencruitten Golf Club in Oban, Scotland, where he has long influenced his son's passion for the sport through hands-on guidance and access to the course from a young age.[62][63] Carol, alongside Dougie, has been actively involved in fostering children, providing a nurturing home environment that emphasized resilience and perspective during MacIntyre's formative years.[14] MacIntyre maintains strong ties with his two older sisters, Gillian and Nicola, who sacrificed personal opportunities in horse riding to support his early golf endeavors, often driving him to tournaments and offering emotional backing. The family, including foster brothers Dan and Tom, has provided unwavering support throughout his career, with members frequently traveling to cheer him on at major events. This collective encouragement played a key role in major decisions, such as MacIntyre's choice to turn professional in 2017 following a successful amateur run, a move he described as deliberate and family-endorsed rather than impulsive.[64][15][65][66] In his personal life, MacIntyre has been in a long-term relationship with Shannon Hartley since around mid-2023, with the couple relocating together to support his PGA Tour commitments before returning to Oban in 2025 due to homesickness. Hartley, an NHS nurse, has been a steadfast partner, attending key tournaments and providing stability amid his rising professional demands; the pair remains unmarried as of late 2025.[67][68][14]Interests outside golf
Robert MacIntyre maintains a low-key lifestyle in his hometown of Oban, Scotland, where he prefers to remain grounded and avoid the flashiness often associated with professional sports success. He resides close to his family, including his parents who live near Glencruitten Golf Club, emphasizing the importance of staying connected to his roots despite his rising profile on the global stage.[29][69][25] Outside of golf, MacIntyre is passionate about shinty, a traditional Scottish sport similar to field hockey, and continues to play for the local Oban Celtic club when his schedule allows. He credits his time playing shinty from ages 13 to 17 with Oban Camanachd for developing his hand-eye coordination and swing mechanics, which have translated effectively to his golf game. MacIntyre has frequently worn Oban Celtic's green-and-white kit during tournaments, such as at the 2025 WM Phoenix Open, and has used his platform to promote the club, including throwing signed shirts into crowds with cash incentives to support the team.[70][22][71] In terms of philanthropy, MacIntyre has expressed a commitment to giving back to his community by planning a charitable foundation based in Oban to enhance opportunities for young people in Argyll, particularly in sports and music. Inspired by fellow Scottish golfer Stephen Gallacher's foundation, the initiative aims to address barriers like travel costs and equipment access in working-class areas, drawing from MacIntyre's own experiences growing up there. He has also supported local events, such as bringing the Ryder Cup trophy to Oban schools in 2023 to inspire youth, and was awarded the Freedom of Argyll and Bute in recognition of his contributions to the region following his 2024 Scottish Open victory.[72][73][74] As of 2025, MacIntyre's net worth is estimated at £5–8 million, derived primarily from tournament winnings and endorsement deals with brands like TaylorMade and Titleist.[75]Tournament wins
Amateur wins
MacIntyre's amateur career featured four significant victories, marking his rise as one of Scotland's top young golfers.[33] In July 2013, at age 16, MacIntyre claimed his first national title by winning the Scottish Youths Championship (stroke play) at Lanark Golf Club, surging to victory with a final-round 67 for a come-from-behind win.[76] Later that month, he became the first player to win both the Scottish Youths and the Scottish Boys Open Stroke-Play Championships in the same year, dominating the latter at The Roxburghe Golf Club in Kelso with three consecutive 66s for an 18-under-par total and a nine-shot margin.[77][24] In June 2014, MacIntyre secured an international junior triumph at the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters in Nizels, Kent, England, firing rounds of 69-67-71-66 for a 15-under-par 273 and a six-shot victory, highlighting his growing prowess abroad.[78] MacIntyre's most prestigious amateur success came in August 2015, when he won the Scottish Amateur Championship at Muirfield with a dramatic comeback in the 36-hole final, defeating Daniel Young 3&2 after trailing early, becoming the first left-handed winner in decades.[35]Professional wins
MacIntyre has accumulated six professional victories as of November 2025.[1]PGA Tour wins (2)
MacIntyre secured his first PGA Tour title at the 2024 RBC Canadian Open, held from May 30 to June 2 at Hamilton Golf & Country Club in Ontario, Canada. He finished at 16-under-par 264, winning by one stroke over Ben Griffin after a final-round 68, with his father Dougie serving as emergency caddie; the victory earned him $1,692,000 from a $9.4 million purse and marked a breakthrough on the PGA Tour following strong DP World Tour form.[79] His second PGA Tour win came at the co-sanctioned 2024 Genesis Scottish Open, played July 11–14 at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland. MacIntyre closed with a 67, birdieing the 18th from 22 feet to finish at 18-under 262, one stroke ahead of Adam Scott; this emotional home-soil triumph, the first by a Scot in 25 years, netted $1,620,000 from a $9 million purse and boosted his world ranking into the top 20.[53]DP World Tour wins (4)
MacIntyre's maiden DP World Tour victory was at the 2020 Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Showdown, contested November 5–8 at Aphrodite Hills Golf Club in Paphos, Cyprus. He carded a final-round 64 to reach 17-under 263, winning by one stroke over Masahiro Kawamura and earning €200,000 from a €1 million purse; this win, his first on the tour after a challenging COVID-19 lockdown, propelled him into the top 100 of the Official World Golf Ranking.[80][81] He claimed his second DP World Tour title at the 2022 DS Automobiles Italian Open, held September 15–18 at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club near Rome, Italy. MacIntyre shot a bogey-free 64 to force a playoff with Matt Fitzpatrick, then won on the first extra hole with a par; the €500,000 winner's share from a €3 million purse enhanced his Ryder Cup candidacy for the 2023 event in Rome.[82][83] The 2024 Genesis Scottish Open (detailed above under PGA Tour) also counts toward his DP World Tour tally as a co-sanctioned event. MacIntyre's fourth DP World Tour win occurred at the 2025 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, shortened to 54 holes due to weather and played October 2–5 across Kingsbarns, St Andrews, and Carnoustie in Scotland. He posted a final-round 66 to finish at 18-under, securing a four-stroke victory over Tyrrell Hatton and collecting €696,437 from a €4.2 million purse; this triumph, the first by a Scot in 20 years, came days after Europe's 2025 Ryder Cup victory and solidified his status as a Scottish golf star.[84]Other wins (1)
MacIntyre's debut professional victory was on the MENA Golf Tour at the 2017 Sahara Kuwait Golf Championship, held October 16–18 at Al Jahra Golf Club in Kuwait. On his second career start, he fired rounds of 65-66-65 for 14-under 196, winning by two strokes over Luke Joy and earning $9,000 from a $50,000 purse; this early success highlighted his potential post-amateur career and aided his transition to higher-level tours.[85][86]Major championships
Results in major championships
MacIntyre made his debut in a major championship at the 2019 Open Championship, finishing tied for 6th at 5 under par.[87] Over the course of his career through 2025, he has made 19 starts in the majors, advancing to the weekend in 13 of them.[1] Notable results include tied for 8th at the 2021 Open Championship at 7 under par, tied for 8th at the 2024 PGA Championship at 13 under par, runner-up at the 2025 U.S. Open, and tied for 7th at the 2025 Open Championship. His debut T6 at the 2019 Open is also a highlight. His performances demonstrate improving consistency, highlighted by five top-20 finishes in the majors by the end of 2025.[1] The following table summarizes his year-by-year results in the four major championships:| Year | Masters Tournament | PGA Championship | U.S. Open | The Open Championship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | T6 (-5) | |||
| 2020 | T66 (+3) | T64 (+13) | ||
| 2021 | T12 (-4) | T49 (+5) | T35 (+5) | T8 (-7) |
| 2022 | T23 (+3) | T77 (+17) | T34 (-7) | |
| 2023 | CUT (+6) | T71 (+10) | ||
| 2024 | T8 (-13) | CUT (+6) | T50 (+9) | |
| 2025 | CUT (+6) | T47 (+3) | 2nd (+1) | T7 (-10) |