Long before his landmark victory at the 2024 RBC Canadian Open on Sunday, June 2, Robert MacIntyre knew he had the ability to compete anywhere in the world. Two wins on the DP World Tour a few seasons ago were proof of that, but something was holding him back from competing more often on the weekends.
For a player who had dreamed of playing golf for a living and winning on the PGA Tour since before he was an adult, he wasn't lacking in inspiration. The problem lay elsewhere.
Robert McIntyre achieves milestone victory at 2024 RBC Canadian Open
Looking Inward
He then did some soul searching, and his father Dougie also provided some insight, as he was the one who introduced McIntyre to the sport. The two dug into statistics and other technical aspects, but found no red flags.
As the investigation deepened, McIntyre realized that he was the obstacle. “I had an attitude problem. I'm trying to fix it, trying to stay balanced and deal with anything that might happen,” the 27-year-old Scotsman told the PGA Tour on Friday, May 31, after leading/tied for the lead for the first time in the 36-hole tournament, which was held from May 30 to June 2.
McIntyre has three top-10s on tour this season, including one at the PGA Championship, and his game has been on top, but Doug noted long before his son turned pro that he always left his tournaments to the end. “When I was 16 or 17, he said, 'You'll never make it easy.'
History nearly repeated itself at Hamilton Golf and Country Club as he took a four-shot lead into the final day. McIntyre beat Victor Perez's Sunday challenger Ben Griffin by one stroke to win at 16-under 264 (64, 66, 66, 68), but not before a spirited battle.
“This is how I play golf, I play with all my heart,” the champion said.
Nervous and proud
Doug may have asked his son for advice on the subject long before he began fulfilling his childhood dream, but watching his son hit that crucial birdie on the 15th hole after missing two shots was a roller coaster of emotions.
He hadn't caddied for McIntyre in a long time, and this week he was carrying McIntyre's golf bag again. As if fate was playing a trick on him, McIntyre parted ways with his caddie after last week's Charles Schwab Challenge.
McIntyre Sr. flew over from his home in Oban, Scotland, as soon as he received the call from his son, proving to be the perfect talisman, especially since his son had failed to make the cut a week earlier.
After finishing on the 18th green at Hamilton, Doug broke down in tears, unable to express himself, the tears a catharsis of the longest, toughest round of golf both father and son have ever experienced.
“I could tell Dad was getting a little antsy at times, and he kept saying, 'Keep going, keep going' … The mental aspect of the match kept me going. I just focused step by step and managed to make a birdie on the 15th hole, and I didn't react, I just kept my head down because you never know what's going to happen,” McIntyre said.
It proved to be a “tough battle” and a testament to the mental effort. Failing to make the cut before this week meant zero expectations. Beyond golf, Doug's visa issues and uncertainty about whether he would be able to arrive in time all added up to a test of faith. While McIntyre always knew he had the ability to defeat his demons, “you really don't know until you actually do it.”
Open the door
After a week like this, McIntyre will be re-planning. The $1.692 million in prize money ensures that June will be a busy month, and perhaps even more lucrative. McIntyre has qualified for the PGA Tour's two remaining signature events, the Memorial and the Travelers Championship, and was scheduled to travel on Monday, June 3 to play in the 36-hole qualifier for the U.S. Open, with Doug as the main hitter. That trip is now off the table as he will be playing in the third major of the season later this month.
“[This win] Everything changed. It was like a dream come true, and I couldn’t believe it was all happening on his (Dad’s) bag.”
Rory McIlroy tried his best but it wasn't enough
Rory McIlroy, who has won two titles in a row this season, is always able to launch an attack and always pose a threat to his opponents. In addition, he has won the RBC Canadian Open twice in the past.
A six-under 64 matched Sunday's best score, but despite moving up seven spots on the leaderboard, it wasn't enough to challenge the leaders. McIlroy tied for fourth at 13-under 267 for his fourth top-10 of the season, but he was left to regret an over-par finish on the second day.
“I felt a little off on Friday. Overall, three of the four rounds were very good, only one was disappointing, but overall, after a week of rest, I didn't feel like I was fully prepared, so yeah, it was a solid week,” he said.
McIlroy played a decisive round of golf on Sunday, which gave him a confidence boost. His original goal was to finish the week at 14 under par, and although he fell short of that goal and did not allow Robert MacIntyre to win the 2024 RBC Open, “it was nice to see some good signs in my game this weekend… We have a lot of golf to go.”
Career Development Focus
The disappointment of not being able to repeat as his first career win (he lost in a play-off at the 2023 Sanderson Farms Championship) was unimaginable, but Ben Griffin was proud of the way he fought back after a far-from-ideal start at the Canadian National Open.
“It's tough to finish second again, but coming into this week, at least in the first round, my swing was struggling and I didn't even feel like my putting was that good. I was one shot short, but I fought hard and stayed patient. I'll be back next week (at the Memorial), so I'm excited,” Griffin said after finishing with a bogey-free 65.
It was also an improvement for Victor Perez, as just third place was his best result of the season.
“I just wasn't able to get good results and work towards the rest of the year. I played some great results this week, which has always been my strength, but I really wasn't able to play at a high level. I think it showed this week and the results followed,” said the Frenchman.
Tribute to Grayson Murray
In many ways, Akshay Bhatia owes both of his victories on the PGA Tour to Grayson Murray.
Murray is gone, lost in the uncertainty of life, but Bhatia made sure his mentor got a spot at the RBC Canadian Open.
Bhatia was teeing off when he spotted the words “G$” on a trash can near the golf course, which prompted him to get Murray's initials tattooed on his left wrist earlier this week.
“I fight for him and I give my all in every round, no matter what the match is. Yes, he is always there for me and he means a lot to me. I am happy and proud to have Grayson's name engraved on my wrist,” Bhatia said.
The two began their connection when Murray earned his PGA Tour card and Bhatia grew up with hope. Murray stayed in Raleigh, and Bhatia often came to watch him practice. As time went on, the two became more involved and influenced Bhatia, who was then figuring out how to make it to golf's biggest stage.
“I was 13, 14, and I asked him what it was like to be on the PGA Tour? He always said, 'Man, you're going to make it. Trust me.' I don't know, he just always believed in me,” Bhatia said.
Murray has been open about his mental struggles, and Bhatia is grateful for the help Murray has given to so many people. “He lifted a lot of people's spirits. Even when he wasn't getting his act together, he still wanted everyone to have a good life. He taught me to be kind to others,” Bhatia said.
(Main and featured images: RBC Canadian Open/Instagram)
FAQ
Who wins the 2024 RBC Canadian Open?
Robert McIntyre beat Ben Griffin by one stroke at the 2024 RBC Open to claim his first PGA Tour victory. His final score was 264, 16 under par.
How much did Robert MacIntyre win at the 2024 RBC Canadian Open?
McIntyre won $1.692 million of the $9.4 million in total purses.
What other takeaways did Robert McIntyre have?
With victory in the 2024 RBC Canadian Open, Robert MacIntyre will play in the third major of the season, the U.S. Open, as well as the two remaining signature events on the PGA Tour – the Memorial Championship and the Travelers Championship. In addition to climbing from 76th to 39th in the Official World Golf Ranking, the 500 FedEx Cup points move him up to 32nd in the FedEx Cup standings.
