ROYAL SUITE
Scot’s family sorted for Portrush after boss’ Major leap of faith
Rober t MacIntyre has revealed his family have hit the jackpot with his Open debut – after his manager took a chance on him being at Royal Portrush.
The 22-year-old Scot only graduated to the European Tour in November and teed up at his first tournament of 2019 a lowly 247th in the world rankings.
MacIntyre was only focused on keeping his card for next season.
But his manager Iain Stoddart banked on the rookie making a break through – even going so far as to book accommodation for one of the most hectic weeks in the sporting calendar.
MacIntyre – joined on the books at Bounce by fellow rookies Liam Johnston and Grant Forrest, as well as experienced head Stephen Gallacher – will make his Major bow having finished inside the Race to Dubai top 20 last week.
Asked about his parents’ plans for Portrush, Oban ace MacIntyre said: “My manager booked accommodation at the start of the year just in case one of us made it and it turns out it’s an absolute jackpot for them.
“We’ve got the house there so the accommodation is all sorted. For me, my family and my caddy Greg Milne, it’s everyone’s first time so it is going to be an unbelievable experience. “I’ll try to get as many people tickets as I can. There will be a few there and I’m sure there is going to be a fair few at the Scottish Open.
“Hopefully I can go and make them proud. Just to get the chance of playing in The Open is special.”
Christiaan Bezuidenhout extended his lead at the Valderrama Masters to five shots with a third-round 69.
That took the South African to 10 under with Spain’s John Rahm his closest rival after a four-under 67.