In Bob MacIntyre, Scotland has a great chance for its first Open Champion in over 25 years.
The nation that invited the game has been without a major winner since 1999 when Aberdeen’s own Paul Lawrie claimed Open glory in stunning style.
Now, MacIntyre will be looking to take the next step in his career and challenge for victory in the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush this week.
Lawrie won his Claret Jug in remarkable circumstances – overturning a ten stroke deficit on the final day before beating Jean van de Velde and Justin Leonard in a play-off at Carnoustie.
He is the last Scotsman to have tasted victory at the pinnacle of the game but he’s hoping MacIntyre can change that in Northern Ireland.
Speaking exclusive to talkSPORT.com, Lawrie said: “I think Bob is becoming a really, really good player and the wins he’s got under his belt show that he has the talent and temperament to win at the highest level.
“I’d love to see a fellow Scotsman following in my footsteps.”
MacIntyre won the RBC Canadian Open and Genesis Scottish Open during his breakout season last year.
The 28-year-old then enjoyed the best major performance of his career so far at last month’s US Open at Oakmont, finishing second only to champion JJ Spaun.
MacIntyre will hope to continue his rise up the standings in world golf at Portrush and follow in Rory McIlroy’s footsteps in winning The Open.
McIlroy, of course, completed the Career Grand Slam in April by clinching Masters glory but his game has been off the boil since.
The 36-year-old returns to Portrush with unfinished business having missed the cut when The Open was last held there in 2019 and he showed signs he is returning to his very best at the Scottish Open last weekend.
Lawrie was Scotland’s last Open Champion in 1999GettyOpen Champions from Scotland since 1900
1999: Paul Lawrie, playoff win over Justin Leonard and Jean van de Velde, Carnoustie
1985: Sandy Lyle, 1 stroke win over Payne Stewart, Royal St George’s
1920: George Duncan, 2 stroke win over Sandy Herd, Royal Cinque Ports
1910: James Braid, 4 stroke win over Sandy Herd, St Andrews
1908: James Braid, 8 stroke win over Tom Ball, Prestwick
1906: James Braid, 4 stroke win over John Henry Taylor, Muirfield
1905: James Braid, 5 stroke win over Rowland Jones and John Henry Taylor, St Andrews
1904: Jack White, 1 stroke win over James Braid and John Henry Taylor, Royal St George’s
1902: Sandy Herd, 1 stroke win over James Braid and Harry Vardon, Royal Liverpool
1901: James Braid, 3 stroke win over Harry Vardon, Muirfield
Lawrie believes ‘there’s no one better’ that McIlroy when he’s on song and wouldn’t be surprised to see him hit back from his recent slump and claim a second Claret Jug.
He added: “Rory’s an incredible player and I was really happy for him achieving the career Grand Slam.
“He’s been an unbelievable talent for a long time and when he’s on it, he’s obviously well capable of a home win. It certainly wouldn’t be a huge surprise if he did it, would it?
“Having played with Rory as he was growing and developing, there’s no one better than him when he’s playing at his best.”
Shane Lowry claimed an emotional victory at Portrush six years ago and there’s a host of names who could win 2025’s final major this week.
McIlroy is among the favourites for victory at The 153rd OpenGettyWorld number one Scottie Scheffler is the bookies’ favourite while defending champion Xander Schauffele will look to claim a repeat win.
There’s then the likes of Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Ludvig Aberg, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas and Viktor Hovland.
Lawrie said: “It’s so difficult to pick a winner. The elements almost always play their part at The Open and whoever adapts well to the conditions will be in with a chance.
“The best players in the world will likely feature come Open Sunday.
“I’ll just enjoy watching it unfold as I get ready for The Senior Open at Sunningdale the following week!”
talkSPORT 2 will have live commentary of all four days of The Open at Royal Portrush this week.
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