Oban golfer Robert wins first pro event
‘I holed putts when I needed to and that was the key to my success’
OBAN golfer Robert MacIntyre has won his first tournament in only his second start since turning professional just weeks ago.
The Glencruitten Golf Club star triumphed in the Sahara Kuwait Golf Championship, which is part of the third-tier MENA Tour.
His success marks a stellar beginning to his life as a professional and follows his third-place finish – and a course record score of 64 – in his first outing at the Jordan Ayla Golf Championship two weeks ago.
Robert’s win sets him up perfectly for the second stage of the European Tour qualifying school next month.
In his closing round, the 21-year-old made seven birdies on his way to a 65 and a 14-under-par total at the Sahara course in Kuwait City. Robert won by two shots. Afterwards, Robert said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted as it’s been a memorable week for me.
‘I couldn’t have asked for a better way to finish.
‘I’m absolutely delighted with my efforts.
‘I played golf the way I used to as an amateur and never let the pressure of turning pro affect my game.’
Robert was presented with his winner’s trophy by Yousef Abdulaziz Al Qatami and Wael Abdulrahman Al Welayti, both members of the Sahara Kuwait’s golf advisory committee.
Robert said following the presentation: ‘It’s a nice golf course with narrow fairways. You needed to be accurate off the tee and I drove the ball well all week, creating some good scoring opportunities.
‘I holed putts when I needed to and that was the key to my success.
‘It was fun playing on the MENA Tour. The competition is great and so is the atmosphere and I look forward to playing more events next season.’
The win fully justifies Robert’s decision to head to the Middle East for three weeks as opposed to holding out for an invite to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
Robert became the fourth Scotsman after Paul Doherty, Clarke Lutton and David Law to win a MENA Tour event.