TROON, Scotland — Robert MacIntyre doesn’t describe himself as a “big drinker.’’
But, after his Scottish Open victory this past Sunday, the 27-year-old from Oban in the Scottish Highlands said Wednesday, “When you get moments like that that’s a childhood dream and a lifetime goal and you’ve got family and friends there that have backed you since you were a young kid, I think it was quite right to go absolutely wild.
“I think we done a good job of that.”
MacIntyre’s task this week is to refocus on playing the British Open, which begins with Thursday’s first round at Royal Troon.
“Yeah, a new week this week,’’ he said. “Hopefully I can perform well and give it my best and have a chance coming in Sunday.’’
MacIntyre arrived at Troon late Monday, played nine holes on Tuesday on the front nine and played nine holes on the back on Wednesday.
Before his win at the Renaissance Club across the country on the east coast, it had been 25 years since a Scot won the Scottish Open, Colin Montgomerie.
This week marks 25 years since a Scot won the British Open — Paul Laurie in 1999 at Carnoustie.
Asked if he believes in fate, MacIntyre said, “It’s possible. I’ve got as much chance as everyone else in the field. It’s just about getting in that position on Sunday and seeing where the cards fall.
“Obviously, last week they fell my way.’’
MacIntyre insisted he’s always had the confidence that he can compete with the best players in the world, but his win at the RBC Canadian Open last month cemented that belief.
“I’ve known that all along, but it wasn’t really until you win in Canada that you really feel like I can compete out here fully,’’ he said. “I think it’s just an attitude thing. You’re not given anything out here. You’ve got to earn it. You’ve got to earn the respect of the guys you’ve looked up to for many years.
“I feel like the (2023) Ryder Cup was an eye-opener for me that I realized the majority of these guys, all of them, are just normal guys, especially guys on the European team that I’ve really gotten along well with and I continue to have a good relationship with them.
“It wasn’t until probably then I realized, ‘You know what? If these guys can do it, I can do it.’”
MacIntyre is trying to recreate the exact vibe and mindset he had entering the Scottish Open a week ago — with no expectations.
“All week, I was as relaxed as I’ve ever been for the Scottish Open,’’ he said. “I was absolutely chilled out. There was no nerves. There was nothing going on. I was just trying to enjoy myself as much as I can. Coming here, it’s the exact same again.
“This week I’m turning up the same as last week. Zero expectation. My game’s in a good place. Obviously, last week the results showed, but this week is about going out there, being at home, having the home support. It’s about going out there and performing as best as I can, trying my best. Hopefully come Sunday I’ve got a chance, and that’s all I want.’’