The Open: ‘I now know that I can win a major’ – Bob MacIntyre

Bob MacIntyre was sick with nerves on his way to finishing runner-up at the US Open but says the way he handled the occasion gives him the belief he can win a major.

“I now know that I can win one of these,” the 28-year-old Scot told BBC Sport as he prepares for this week’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

“Before, I thought I could, but I’d never shown anything that had shown that I can. Yes, I’ve had a few top 10s in majors, but I was never there over the final few holes.

“Oakmont was the first time I’d had that feeling. On the 16th, I was thinking ‘I can do this, it’s here for the taking’.”

MacIntyre started his final round in Pennsylvania in a share of ninth place but was tied for the lead after 14 holes – only for JJ Spaun to conjure up a glorious closing stretch to prevail by two shots.

“I thought I played beautifully and it’s just knowing that it’s there,” MacIntyre explained. “Okay, it didn’t happen, but it’s knowing we’ve got that in the locker when I need it.

“Things were happening that were completely new to me. It was different, but I was expecting it. Yes, there were nerves, but it was exciting. You’re shaking, feeling sick. I played the last three holes in one under par feeling like that.

“If the cards had fallen my way, I’d have won the US Open, but JJ was better than me over 72 holes.

“It was close and we pitch up here with the same thought of trying to win The Open. It makes me really think I can win a major. It’s a reality, not just a dream.”