Father-Son Duo Triumph: Robert MacIntyre's Historic PGA Tour Victory

Most parents would do anything to witness their child's success up close, but for Robert MacIntyre's father, simply watching wasn't close enough.

When his son secured his first PGA Tour title at the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday, Dougie MacIntyre - who works as the head greenskeeper at Glencruitten Golf Club in Oban, Scotland - also became a PGA Tour-winning caddie.

27-year-old MacIntyre managed to secure a victory at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Ontario, despite a shaky start and fierce competition from other players. He even brought his father in last minute to caddy for him.

This win marked only the fifth time a Scotsman has won on the PGA Tour since 1940, with the last one being Martin Laird in 2020. MacIntyre's victory not only earned him $1.69 million in prize money, the largest ever for a Scottish golfer in a single event, but also allowed him to fulfill his goal of paying off his parent's mortgage.

Father and son couldn't hold back their tears as they stood on the 18th green, feeling the full impact of their accomplishment. MacIntyre, a first-time PGA Tour winner on his 45th attempt, shared with CBS Sports, "I'm so happy I'm crying, but also laughing because I never thought this day would come."

"I was approaching the final hole with my dad by my side, reminding me to stay focused and maintain a smooth swing. Even though he cautioned me to avoid rushing like I did on Saturday, my mind was set on one thing - winning this for my dad.

My dad is the one who introduced me to the game of golf, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude to have him caddying for me. This victory means everything to me, my family, my girlfriend, and my entire team."

Father and son pose with the trophy.

Father and son pose with the trophy.

Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press/AP

Homesick

Two-time European Tour winner MacIntyre recently parted ways with his most recent caddie, Scott Carmichael, after missing the cut at the Charles Schwab Challenge. MacIntyre had been rotating through a string of caddies since his Ryder Cup debut last October.

Davis Riley holds the trophy after winning the Charles Schwab Challenge.

Davis Riley holds the trophy after winning the Charles Schwab Challenge.

Andrew Dieb/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters

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After celebrating a win with Team Europe in Rome, the beginning of 2024 brought a mix of emotions for MacIntyre.

Despite some impressive showings, like his tied-eighth finish at the PGA Championship, MacIntyre struggled to make the cut in seven events. He openly admitted to facing challenges while adjusting to his first full-time tour life in the US.

MacIntyre shared with reporters on Sunday that he was having a tough time. He explained that both he and his girlfriend were not finding the Orlando lifestyle as enjoyable as they had hoped it would be beneficial for his golf game.

Being back home helps to clear his mind, MacIntyre mentioned. He enjoys spending time with his friends, having a few beers with them, and being treated just like a regular guy named Bob. It's a refreshing change from being seen solely as Bob MacIntyre the golfer.

MacIntyre was feeling homesick during his visit to Oban in April. He only played golf twice during the three-week trip. Despite trying to find a caddie unsuccessfully, he remembered his father's advice: "If in doubt, call Dad."

Without hesitation, MacIntyre's father, who was a greenkeeper, responded to his call and will be returning to work immediately.

"It's amazing. I work as a grasscutter, not a caddie," said 59-year-old MacIntyre, wiping away tears while talking to CBS Sports.

"Last Saturday night, I was at home sitting on the couch, wondering if I could take time off from work. I was so busy. But the next morning at eight o'clock, I found myself on a flight here. It was a sudden decision, and I was just like, 'Wow!'"

MacIntyre senior was a last minute call-up for the position.

MacIntyre senior was a last minute call-up for the position.

Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press/AP

‘You might not see Dad till next week!’

After shooting a fantastic six-under 64 on Thursday, MacIntyre mentioned that he was keeping things simple to assist an emergency caddie who, although a good golfer, felt out of his element at the top level of the game.

Despite the unconventional pairing, MacIntyre and his caddie breezed through Hamilton Country Club, with MacIntyre, ranked 76th globally before the tournament, taking a commanding four-shot lead into Sunday.

That healthy cushion began to unravel during the Scot's final round when Canadian hometown favorite Mackenzie Hughes scored three fast birdies after MacIntyre's initial bogey.

It seemed like MacIntyre was losing his chance at his first PGA Tour victory, but with his father's encouragement, he mounted a strong comeback. He matched Hughes with three quick birdies of his own and recovered from back-to-back bogeys after the turn, securing a one-shot lead heading into the final hole.

On June 26, 2022, in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, Lexi Thompson was seen playing her shot from the fifth tee during the final round of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship golf tournament at Congressional Country Club.

Jun 26, 2022; Bethesda, Maryland, USA; Lexi Thompson plays her shot from the fifth tee during the final round of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship golf tournament at Congressional Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

Scott Taetsch/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters

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Lexi Thompson, who is 29 years old, has announced that she will be retiring from professional golf after the 2024 season. She mentioned that being on the tour can sometimes feel overwhelming and isolating.

Scottish golfer MacIntyre shared that his coach has been a great source of support during tough times on the course. MacIntyre expressed gratitude for his coach's ability to provide the right words of encouragement at the right moments.

"He found being here a bit more relaxing for his mental health compared to checking the scores on the app. However, I don't think this week has been great for him in terms of stress."

"But he's the one who taught me how to play golf and he knows my game really well. I am so grateful to him for everything this week."

MacIntyre secured a victory with a steady par at the last hole, finishing ahead of American Ben Griffin at 16-under par overall. South Korea’s Tom Kim and world No. 3 Rory McIlroy were among those within three shots of the winner. This win elevated MacIntyre to a career-high world No. 39 position and earned him a spot in the US Open at Pinehurst in North Carolina on June 13. However, plans for his first major chase will have to wait until after some well-deserved celebrations.

During a video call shared by the PGA Tour on X (formerly known as Twitter), MacIntyre playfully warned his mother about the upcoming celebrations. He joked, "You might not see Dad until next week!"

Editor's P/S:

Robert MacIntyre's victory at the RBC Canadian Open is a testament to the unwavering bond between father and son. Dougie MacIntyre, a dedicated greenskeeper, stepped up as an emergency caddie and played a pivotal role in his son's triumph. This victory not only marks a milestone in Robert's career but also fulfills his heartfelt desire to secure his parents' financial stability. The emotional embrace between father and son on the 18th green captures the essence of their shared journey and the profound impact of family support in achieving dreams.

MacIntyre's success also highlights the challenges faced by young golfers transitioning to the demanding PGA Tour lifestyle. Homesickness and the pressures of competition can weigh heavily on their minds. MacIntyre's decision to call upon his father for support demonstrates the importance of grounding and familiarity in navigating the complexities of professional golf. This victory serves as a reminder that even amidst the pursuit of individual glory, the support of loved ones remains an invaluable asset.