Bob MacIntyre, the gifted Scottish golfer, has been very vocal about his annoyance towards drones, particularly at the RB Canadian Open. Following his first PGA Tour victory in his introductory season, MacIntyre has secured his tour card up until 2026, gained entry into major pay-out events including Memorial Tournament, and secured a spot in the upcoming US Open at Pinehurst and Masters next year. However, MacIntyre’s journey to victory was marred by disruptive drones, to the point where he almost resorted to throwing his clubs at them. MacIntyre made several complaints about the distracting drone before finally, a rules official managed to rectify the situation.
In other news, Charley Hull, known as the Queen of Glam, recently made headlines for smoking while signing autographs at the US Women’s Open. It was a sight that did not sync with the English golfer’s public image, especially since she is known for sharing her gym workout videos. Despite the uproar, Hull, who has admitted to having ADHD, stated that she despises smoking and only took it up as an alternative to vaping. She admitted to occasionally smoking more than she should during slow rounds on the golf course and intends to quit smoking soon, but did not specify when exactly.
Hull came joint 19th in the US Open held at Lancaster Country Club, Pennsylvania, an event ultimately seized by Japan’s Yuka Saso.
Ben Griffin, who finished second to Bob MacIntyre in the RB Canadian Open, earning him a spot in the Memorial tournament with a $20 million prize purse next week at Muirfield Village’s Jack’s Place, admitted he needs to arrange a visit with his ophthalmologist. Originally, Griffin had eye surgery slated, saying he needs to plan it before his retina detaches.
The largest group of Irish golfers, totalling eight, will be seen in the Cadiz Challenge on the Challenge Tour this week. The group consists of Robert Moran, Gary Hurley, Conor Purcell, Jonny Caldwell, Dermot McElroy, Ruaidhri McGee, Ronan Mullarney, and John Murphy, all teeing off in Sancti Petri in Andalucía.
Turning back the clock to June 4th, 1995, Philip Walton outshone as an undefeated foe, as demonstrated by his victory over Colin Montgomerie in a play-off for the Murphy’s English Open held outside Birmingham at the Forest of Arden. Walton, being a native of Malahide, had earlier claimed the Catalonia Open, besting Andrew Coltart, the runner-up, by three swings. Later that year he played a crucial role in Europe’s triumph at Oak Hill’s Ryder Cup, with his emotional win over Jay Haas in one of the final singles matches.
Walton’s third and final career victory on the European Tour happened in the English Open where his scores of 65-70-69-70 totalled 14-under-par 274, garnering a tie with Montgomerie, a consistent number one on the merit order. Both the Irishman and the Scot put up a challenging fight in the final round. Montgomerie registered four birdies on an outward 34, nudging ahead by a shot. However, Walton fought back and levelled the scoreline on the 10th with a low running hit within three feet. Even until the end, the scores were tied, yet a birdie by Walton on the second tie hole granted him the coveted victory.
The Oban lads have triumphed! Heartfelt congratulations to @robertlefty for securing his maiden PGA Tour with his father accompanying him on the bag – a truly remarkable and extraordinary occurrence. This win was warmly acknowledged by Luke Donald, the European Ryder Cup skipper, who saluted both the MacIntyres, Bob and Dougie.
Elated for @robertlefty who is a wonderful lad. The feat is made all the more outstanding by his father being by his side on the bag #GoOnBob – Billy Horschel indicating that the Americans too admire Mac.
The quality of swings in LPGA golf has exhibited substantial improvement over the past decade. Prior to this, there seemed to be a lack of power and structure in the swings, leading to bizarre club and body positions due to the players’ flexibility. However, golfers including Min Jee, Nelly, Yuka Saso, and many others now possess commendable swings – observations raised by Michael Kim about progressing player quality on the LPGA Tour.
Inside the Bag
Bob MacIntyre – RBC Canadian Open
Driver – Titleist TSR2 (9 degrees)
3-wood – Cobra Aerojet LS (14.5 degrees)
Hybrid – TaylorMade Stealth 2 Rescue (19 degrees)
Irons – Titleist 620 CB (4-9)
Wedges – Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (46 degrees), Vokey Design SM9 (50 and 56 degrees)
Putter – TaylorMade Spider Tour
Ball – Titleist ProV1
Understand the Regulations
Q While a player was hunting for his ball in a heap of leaves, he inadvertently kicked and displaced his ball and several leaves surrounding it. The player approximated the ball’s initial position and repositioned it there but did not restore the leaves before taking his next shot. What is the verdict?
A There is no penalty (Rule 7.4 and Clarification 7.4/1): The player will not be penalised for accidentally displacing the ball whilst searching for it. When the player positions the ball back, they are not obliged to restore loose impediments.