Robert MacIntyre prepares for title defence at famous Scottish golf course

Robert MacIntyre is set to defend his Genesis Scottish Open title next week, as a star-studded field descends on the Renaissance Club.

All of the top five, eight of the top ten and 13 of the top 20 players in the Official World Golf Rankings will tee it up in the co-sanctioned event in East Lothian.

That includes the four current major champions – Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele and JJ Spaun.

But MacIntyre will have a slight advantage when he steps up for one of the biggest weeks of his career on home soil.

That’s because he got some links practice this week at a famous Scottish golf course.

• Genesis Scottish Open announces huge change to ‘stadium hole’

• ‘I don’t want them here’ – PGA Tour star sends brutal LIV message

On Wednesday, the 28-year-old made the short trip south from his Oban base to The Machrihanish Golf Club, where he enjoyed a peaceful 18 holes.

He posted videos on Instagram, X, and TikTok, documenting his five-under-par 65 on the west coast.

“Canny beat some links golf,” he wrote on X after going out in 33 and coming in in 32 on the iconic par-70 layout.

“Down at Machrihanish Golf Club today,” MacIntyre said in a video on Instagram. “Nice to get a little bit of links golf practice ahead of the Scottish Open next week.

“And what about this for an opening tee shot.”

Alongside a picture of the Ryder Cup star, the club wrote on X: “It was a privilege to have honorary member Robert MacIntyre at Machrihanish this week in his preparation for the Scottish Open and The Open.

“Go well over the coming weeks Bob!”

• Lexi Thompson questioned over ‘confusing’ retirement decision

• Lee Westwood reacts after sealing stunning Open return

The highlights for MacIntyre were birdies in three of his final four holes on the front nine. He carded threes at holes six, eight and nine.

He followed it up with another three birdies in quick succession, coming on the par-5 10th and 12th holes, as well as a three on the par-4 13th.

MacIntyre is currently taking a break after a hectic spell on the PGA Tour. The Scot played seven weeks in a row from the Truist Championship in May to the Travelers Championship in June.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.