Robert MacIntyre justifies controversial free drop on 16, says his caddie dubbed it his ‘lucky break’ to win the Genesis Scottish Open
Robert MacIntyre got extremely lucky on the par-5 16th hole during the final round of the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open, which ultimately helped him secure the title. The Scot received a free drop on the hole after his ball landed in an impossibly thick heather.
On this par-5, after hitting his second shot, Robert MacIntyre realized he was standing on a sprinkler. He called his caddie to confirm it and then asked the officials, who awarded him a free drop.
Although MacIntyre used the rule to get relief, it generated debate online. Following the event, MacIntyre justified the free drop while talking to the media.
“As I took a step back, obviously there was no high rough where it would tangle the club. So I could take the practice swing, like a foot, foot and a half from the ball, and just a step back. I just heard the clunk; I’ve got spikes on the front three of my shoes, not on my shoe as spikes, but just the front three studs as metal spikes, and I was like, no way. I’ve got a sprinkler underneath my foot. Obviously the plastic spikes at the back, you don’t feel it," MacIntyre said (via NBC Sports)
“And I said to [caddie] Mike ... ‘When I get up to the golf ball, am I standing on that sprinkler?’ And he’s laughing at me going, ‘yeah, yeah.’ It was just a lucky break. You use the rules to get advantage. You stand on a sprinkler, you’re due relief. That was just the one kiss I needed," he added.
Robert MacIntyre was trailing behind Adam Scott when he reached the 16th hole. However, MacIntyre managed to get an eagle, tying him with Scott. He then made a birdie on the 18th hole, securing a one-stroke victory over Scott. This was his second victory in the last six weeks, having previously won the 2024 RBC Canadian Open last month.
A look into Robert MacIntyre's dramatic final round performance at the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open
Robert MacIntyre started the final round of the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open on Sunday, July 14, on the first tee hole of The Renaissance Club. He made a par on the first hole but then bogeyed the next. MacIntyre got lucky and shot a birdie on the par-4 fifth hole. He made another bogey on the tenth hole and then added a birdie on the 14th.
His fortunate eagle on the 16th put him close to winning the title. He finally concluded the game with a birdie on the final hole, scoring a 3-under 67. He secured a one-stroke victory in his home open.
Last year, Rory McIlroy bested Robert MacIntyre for the title of the Scottish Open. However, he finally turned his runner-up finish into a victory in 2024.