Rolex Series

MacIntyre and Hill get Scotland's challenge under way in North Berwick

Robert MacIntyre described himself as "really happy" after getting his title defence at the Genesis Scottish Open off to a positive start.

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected

        The Oban native became the first Scottish player to win the event in the Rolex Series era last year when he birdied the last hole at the Renaissance Club to pip Adam Scott by one shot.

        It was a redemption story for the World Number 14 as Ryder Cup team-mate Rory McIlroy's birdie-birdie finish had pushed MacIntyre into second place 12 months earlier.

        He started Thursday's opening round alongside World Number One Scottie Scheffler and Australian Scott, and mixed four birdies with two bogeys to sit four shots behind Colombia's Nico Echavarria, American Jake Knapp and Austrian Sepp Straka, who set the early target on day one.

        "Really happy with it. Got off to a ropey start, you want to birdie the par fives," MacIntyre said.

        "Thankfully I didn't listen to the marshals. Marshals were telling me it was out-of-bounds. No sign of the golf ball, but managed to find it a yard and a half inbounds, got the drop and made bogey.

        Video Player is loading.
        Current Time 0:00
        Duration 0:00
        Loaded: 0%
        Stream Type LIVE
        Remaining Time 0:00
         
        1x
          • Chapters
          • descriptions off, selected
          • captions off, selected

              "From there on, it was get back to the basics. Make sure we played a lot more the with wind because the ball is getting affected so much more here than it has been the last couple of months. But overall happy with that."

              All eyes will be on home players in the North Berwick and MacIntyre hailed the "unbelievable" support he has enjoyed during his career, while encouraging more homegrown players to contend for golf's biggest prizes.

              "I've got to enjoy the moments, and certainly enjoyed this one. We celebrated the way we should have with the people that matter the most," he added.

              "But I'm coming here this year to a tournament that's very, very special to myself and every Scottish player here. Last year was great, and this year trying to do the same.

              "It's been unbelievable the support I've had since I turned professional. I don't know my limits, so just keep pushing as hard as we can.

              "I hope that there's many more Scottish guys. I know there's a lot of young amateur guys pushing hard, and boys in America, as well.

              "The more that I can do my bit, it drives them to go on but seeing them going well pushes me as well."

              MacIntyre may be the highest profile figure among Scotland's talent, but he was not the leading homegrown player after the morning starters had finished their first round.

              That honour went to Calum Hill, who produced a flawless 65 to sit one shot behind the trio of early clubhouse leaders.

              "That was really good fun," Hill said. "It's nice to come in here, probably the biggest event of the year for Scottish people, and have a good start. It's great.

              Video Player is loading.
              Current Time 0:00
              Duration 0:00
              Loaded: 0%
              Stream Type LIVE
              Remaining Time 0:00
               
              1x
                • Chapters
                • descriptions off, selected
                • captions off, selected

                    "I've got a little more hold of my ball-striking and my putting is in good shape.

                    "New relationship with Stewart, my caddie, is going very well. This is week three, and the first two weeks were very promising as well.

                    "I think all those little things come together, equate to good golf.

                    "It's very well refined, even the edging of the rough and even the walkways, it looks beautiful to play and visually.

                    "The wind was slightly less, but it's still enough to be tricky. It's always a heavy wind when you're on the coast in Scotland."

                    Read next