Bob MacIntyre gesture causes fury in Scottish Open win and revenge over Rory McIlroy
Bob MacIntyre achieved a childhood dream on Sunday by winning the Scottish Open in front of a home crowd, but only after a controversial moment in his final round.
In an epic battle with Adam Scott, the Ryder Cup star capitalised on the Australian missing a birdie putt on the last as he finished 18 under par, just one shot clear of his rival.
By tasting glory at the Renaissance Club, MacIntyre became their first Scottish player to lift the trophy since Colin Montgomerie in 1999.
And his win was made sweeter by light of the fact he agonisingly missed out last year to Rory McIlroy, who could only finish tied for fourth this time around, four shots off the 27-year-old.
The critical moment on Sunday came on the 16th hole, after MacIntyre’s wayward drive on the 572-yard par five had nestled in deep rough. But he was then given a huge boost after officials allowed him to take a free drop after ruling his ball was too close to a sprinkler head.
And the player took full advantage. Initially facing the prospect of a chip back onto the fairway, instead MacIntyre was able to reach the green with his second shot, and duly nailed his approach before sinking the putt for an eagle.
But while his win proved popular with the crowd at North Berwick, some golf fans were left fuming with the dubious ruling. And on social media, debate soon raged as to whether the incident should force the DP World and PGA Tour to review regulations over free drops.
