Robert MacIntyre welcomes the new collaboration between First Tee and the Stephen Gallacher Foundation which aims to encourage more young people to play golf.
The Oban-born professional (pictured in the media room by Nigel Duncan) said Gallacher puts an enormous amount of energy into the development of young talent and he believes the initiative has come at the right time given “the world we liv in”.
MacIntyre is currently No 20 in the world rankings and he tees up with Rory McIlroy, the world No 2, and Chris Gotterup, the defending Scottish Open champion, at 8.28am in the first round on Thursday at The Renaissance Club. They go from the tenth tee.
He said he knows both players well and is looking forward to the game on the par-70 East Lothian course he really enjoys and where he has some happy memories.
The 29-year-old won here in 2024, a month after winning the Canadian Open, his first PGA Tour win, with a score of 18-under. A birdie on the final hole edged Aussie golfer, Adam Scott, by one shot.
McIntyre remembers the celebration afterwards and said: “It was one of the most special events when I won here, celebrating with friends and family. It was one of the best nights, best weeks I have had. It was special.”
