YEAR OF THE BOB
Gallacher is convinced Scot will top 2019 by making Ryder team
STEPHEN GALLACHER believes Robert MacIntyre can maintain his stunning progress and force his way into the 2020 Ryder Cup.
The Oban youngster’s meteoric rise has been one of the biggest stories in golf over the past 12 months.
His outstanding first year on the European Tour was recognised as he bagged the 2019 Rookie of the Year Award.
At 23 he’s leading a charge of Tartan kids storming the scene and Gallacher has no doubt the fairytale can continue. MacIntyre is being tipped to win in 2020 having just missed out at the British Masters and Made In Denmark as well as a sixthplaced finish in his debut Open last term.
And Gallacher, the last Scot to play in the Ryder Cup in 2014, said: “Bob now has Majors and world events with a year of experience under his belt. He now knows what to expect and has a great chance.
“If he gets into the Masters on a course that historically suits big-hitting left-handers, he can do well there. It would be great for Scotland to have someone in the Ryder Cup team again. We need it.
“Bob has the best chance. He’s got the opportunity with the Majors and world events as it’s so tough to get into it without playing in those. I’m sure he’ll take it in his stride and he’s not done anything I think he should change.
“He just needs to keep doing it and gradually he’ll get more experience and confidence. He’s a certainty to win an event. I don’t like putting pressure on boys but he’s doing it the right way.”
MacIntyre has earned his spurs on the Tour for both his skills and his down-to-earth attitude. Gallacher added: “He’s been a breath of fresh air.
“It wasn’t until he got into contention a couple of times and didn’t back down that he showed his ability. Since then he’s just looked like he belongs.
“His attitude is brilliant and I like the way he plays with things like hitting drivers off the deck.
“He thinks, ‘What would Phil Mickelson do here?’ That’s his hero. Another lefty and he’s trying to emulate the way he plays.
“The Open was a whirlwind for him but he’s played with top players and not looked out of place.
“He’s just a normal lad, a great upbringing, doesn’t want to move from Oban, still plays shinty now and again to stay
fit. He’s so grounded and has a good team behind him. I just hope he keeps doing the same things and keeps the same attitude.
“I always felt the more times you got into contention on a Sunday afternoon the more chance you had to knock one off. Tiger, Nicklaus, look at how many times they come second and third – always knocking on the door.
“Once you get a sniff, bang, you can win two or three times in a year. Bob’s not far away from that.
“Once he gets his first win he’s got the game to be the equivalent of a Sam Torrance or a Monty and be a serial winner. I think he’s got the attitude and the game.
“The Scots boys feed off each other. David Law winning before Christmas last year in Australia got overlooked but Bob knows him and all the others boys such as Grant Forrest well.
“When one does well they all want to do well. Bob doing great, Grant keeping his card, Liam Johnston was unlucky, Callum Hill coming through and doing great, Connor Syme will keep his card now, he’s a quality player. It’s all great for the game in Scotland.”