Robert MacIntyre has revealed his ambition of wanting to keep the Genesis Scottish Open trophy every year until his career finishes ahead of his title defence at the Renaissance Club.
The 28-year-old overcame the heartbreak of a late Rory McIlroy surge to be pushed into second in 2023 by nervelessly birdieing the last in North Berwick last year to beat Adam Scott by one shot and lift his home open title.
After achieving his boyhood dream of becoming the first Scottish winner of the Genesis Scottish Open in the Rolex Series era, MacIntyre is adamant he will have a strong grip on the trophy as some of the world's leading players look to prise the title away from the Oban native.
"It was unbelievable. Obviously the win in Canada was special with my dad, but winning the Scottish Open was above it," MacIntyre said.
"As a kid growing up, I watched the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond and dreamed of playing in it and once I got playing in it, I'm thinking, 'let's win this thing', and obviously coming close.
"But last year, when that putt drops, I keep watching it over and over again. I was struggling, my putting was up-and-down like a roller coaster, and when I struggle, I look at these moments, and I remember the highs when the putter does come, it really turns it on.
"It was the most special thing to happen in my golfing career to be honest with you. It was special. Yeah, it's a year on, but try to do the same thing this week.
"I'm coming here to win the Scottish Open. I mean, it's the biggest golf tournament, I would say, outside of the Major Championships for me. I've won it once. But every time I pitch up, I want to win it again. I want to keep this trophy every year until I stop playing.
"I hope if I don't win it, a Scottish player wins it. It's just a special, special golf tournament with an unbelievable field."
While success is on the mind of the three time DP World Tour winner, MacIntyre acknowledged his role as an inspiration for young aspiring Scottish golfers.
"As a role model, I try my best every day when I'm playing golf," the World Number 14 said.
"I know there's more attention on me now, but again, when I'm walking up and signing autographs, the spirit is interacting with the kids.
"I remember as a young boy at Loch Lomond, doing the same thing, shouting, asking for balls and gloves. It's making sure that the kids have got their part."
