Golf champ Robert MacIntyre: ‘If in doubt, phone dad’

Robert grew up playing at Glencruitten Golf Club, external, which now proudly states their “local hero” honed his skills on its hilly course, complete with “tricky blind shots”.

His dad Dougie tends the greens and fairways as head greenkeeper, and spent his evenings coaching a young Robert, who had his first hole-in-one on the course at the age of 12.

“We used to go out every night in the summer, no matter the weather, we would play four holes every night,” Robert recalled.

While he was growing up, Robert’s parents also fostered children who had “been in a tough spot”.

“I think it makes you realize that hitting a white ball around a golf course isn’t the most important thing,” Robert said.

“I wasn’t given everything as a kid. I was given a great opportunity.

“My dad was obviously a really good sportsman – football, golf, shinty – but didn’t have the finances to really chase it, and I think it was something that my mum and dad always wanted to do.

“I’ve got two older sisters who are right into their horses, horse riding and stuff, but they even sacrificed quite a lot of that just to give me a chance.

“I couldn’t play in golf tournaments as a junior because we couldn’t afford it. I think that made me; that makes me fight and never give up.”