Robert MacIntyre :: Sky’s the limit

Scottish teenager Robert MacIntyre – who made history by becoming the first British golfer to compete in Olympic competition since 1900 – can go on to reach the pinnacle of his sport according to PGA Professional coach George Boswell.

Boswell works with young Olympian Robert MacIntyre in the Scottish Golf Union’s academy system. MacIntyre, 18, recently returned from Nanjing, China, where he competed in the men’s’ 72-hole strokeplay championship at the Youth Olympics.

The event marked the first time golf has been played in Olympic competition since George Lyon of Canada won gold in the 1904 Olympics at St Louis, Missouri. The last time a British golfer competed in the world’s largest sporting spectacle was during the 1900 Games in Paris.

“He could be a special player and there’s absolutely no reason why he can’t go on to feature in a full Olympics one day.” – George Boswell

Robert MacIntyre, former Scottish Boys’ champion, scooped the prestigious Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters earlier this year and has worked alongside Boswell since the age of 12. In that time, the pair have reduced the teenagers handicap from eight to plus four.

“He could go on to be a top player, achieve whatever he wants to achieve, play at the highest level on tour,” said Boswell.

“The sky’s the limit for Bob, as long as he maintains the good attitude that has got him this far. He’s surrounded by good, supportive people who I know will help him to reach the highest level he can.

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“Obviously, when you’re talking about reaching the very top of your sport it’s about much more than raw ability. But he could be a special player and there’s absolutely no reason why he can’t go on to feature in a full Olympics one day.”

Hard work the key to Robert MacIntyre’s future

He may have a handicap of plus four at the age of just 18, but Boswell (above) did admit that Robert MacIntyre will have his work cut out if he is to challenge golf’s established elite in the near future.

“It’s very difficult to reach the top of any sport,” explained Boswell. “Elite-level sport has changed over the past few years and you have to have that perfect blend of technique and physique to become a top golfer.

“The Scottish Golf Union are working really hard to create a pathway for the very best juniors to help them reach the top level that they can.

“They get personal coaching, warm weather training and a range of activities to help them build up their abilities to compete at the top level.”