6 things Robert MacIntyre gets for incredible US Open finish

It wasn’t to be for Robert MacIntyre, but he came oh so close at the US Open.

The Oban man was denied only by J.J Spaun’s brilliance at the death at Oakmont Country Club, the Californian’s birdie-birdie finish ending MacIntyre’s hopes of a dream first major title.

A sensational final round 68 set a daunting clubhouse total in brutal conditions on the notorious Pittsburgh layout.

And while was pipped by Spaun in the end, there are plenty of perks to finishing runner-up at the US Open.

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Here’s a few things MacIntyre gets for his incredible US Open finish…

Huge Prize Money

Incredibly, despite winning two big tournaments last year, this is the biggest pay cheque of MacIntyre’s career. He earned $2.3million for this win, which is more prize money than he earned for winning the RBC Canadian Open and the Genesis Scottish Open in 2024.

Silver Medal

No, it might not be the silverware MacIntyre wanted – or even thought he might get. But the runner up does get a silver medal for his efforts. Next year at Shinnecock Hills, he’ll be after the Jack Nicklaus medal.

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Major Exemptions

MacIntyre has secured his place at next year’s US Open and at the Masters. Not that his qualification looks like a problem when he’s playing in this form.

World Ranking points

MacIntyre is now 12th in the Official World Golf Ranking. He jumps up from 20th with his 60 OWGR points here and is edging closer to breaking into the world’s top-ten, which would be another feather in his cap.

Ryder Cup boost

After leaping from 11th to fourth in the European standings, MacIntyre is now in one of Luke Donald’s six automatic Ryder Cup berths. He has made no secret of his desire to make the team again and is now on course for Bethpage after notching 2.5 points on debut two years ago.

A new army of fans

Okay, this one isn’t exactly tangible reward. But there is no doubt MacIntyre endeared himself to fans further in front of a massive TV audience. His classy reaction to Spaun’s winning moment received widespread praise and he’s becoming ever more popular Stateside.

Ben Parsons is the Senior Writer at bunkered and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.