Former Cowboy MacIntyre wins again

Where he had failed just one year early, Robert MacIntyre succeeded Sunday.

Last year MacIntyre, the former McNeese State golfer, had to watch as Rory McIlroy rallied past him to win the Scottish Open. He turned the tables this time.

MacIntyre sank a 22-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland, to defeat Adam Scott by one shot and claim his nation’s crown.

In doing so, he became the first Scot to win his native championship since Colin Montgomerie did it 25 years ago.

The 27-year-old MacIntyre promised to “celebrate hard” after living out his dream after winning what he considers the most important tournament and $1.62 million.

“It’s the one I wanted, and the one I got,” MacIntyre said. “I can’t believe it happened.”

MacIntyre’s charge was highlighted when he eagled the 16th hole to tie Scott. He played the final five holes 4-under par. For the day he was 3-under, shooting a 67.

But it was his 262nd and final shot that made all the difference.

“In my head, I just kept saying to myself, this is what you do, Bob,” MacIntyre said of his winning putt. I thought it was short.”

When the putt went in, MacIntyre pumped his fists and screamed.

MacIntyre won his first PGA Tour title, the RBC Canadian Open, last month. Even while winning that one he said he was focused on the Scottish Open after watching McIlroy birdie the final two holes last year to beat him by one.

MacIntyre’s charge began when he nailed a 41-foot birdie putt on the 14th.

“A lot of people have said, ‘He doesn’t quite have this, he doesn’t quite have that.’ But I have fight,” MacIntyre said. “That’s all I need.”

Next week MacIntyre and the entire golf world will turn its focus to the 152nd Open Championship, the final major of the season. It will be held in Scotland as well, at Royal Troon.

“Next week is a new week but I tell you, I’m going to celebrate this with my family, friends, and everyone here,” MacIntyre said. “I’m going to celebrate this one hard. We’ll pitch up to The Open when we pitch up to The Open.”