Scottish Golfer Bob MacIntyre Prepares for US Open Challenge at Shinnecock Hills

Bob MacIntyre, the sole Scottish representative at the 126th US Open, shares his journey of rediscovering his game after a tough start to the year.

The 126th US Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, is set to be a stage for some of the world’s best golfers. Among them is Bob MacIntyrethe sole Scottish representative in the 156-strong field.

MacIntyre, who finished as the runner-up in the 2026 US Open at Oakmont, is eager to rediscover his major championship form after a challenging start to the year.

MacIntyre’s journey to this point has been one of perseverance and hard work.

After his impressive performance at Oakmont, where he narrowly missed out on victory, he faced setbacks in both The Masters and the PGA Championship. However, his recent top-15 finish in the RBC Canadian Open has given him a timely boost heading into the US Open.

MacIntyre’s Path to Rediscovery

In an insightful interview with The ScotsmanMacIntyre opened up about the challenges he faced this year. He admitted to neglecting certain aspects of his game but believes he has learned valuable lessons. The 29-year-old golfer has been putting in extensive work to get his game back on track, including early morning practice sessions and intense training camps.

MacIntyre’s dedication to improving his game is evident. He arrived at the range in Toronto at 7am last Monday and spent two days hitting ball after ball under the guidance of his coach, Simon Shanks. The intense practice sessions left his hands sore, a testament to the effort he has been putting in. ‘That was the first time in a long time that my hands have been sore,’ he admitted, smiling.

Life Changes and Golf Priorities

MacIntyre’s life has undergone significant changes this year, including becoming a father. These changes have altered his priorities, making it challenging to maintain the same level of preparation as before. ‘Last year we did a lot of training camps before events. This year obviously life has changed a little bit, so there are different priorities,’ he explained.

Despite the challenges, MacIntyre remains focused on his goal. He has been working on improving his putting and driving, which have been strong points this year. However, his iron play has been off, an area he is determined to improve. ‘We’ve hopefully caught that early enough, though, so that it’s not a problem,’ he said.

Shinnecock Hills: A Unique Challenge

Shinnecock Hills has been described as a ‘piece of Scotland washed ashore on Long Island.’ The course, which has hosted five previous US Opens, is known for its exposed terrain, rolling fairways, and demanding green complexes. MacIntyre offered his thoughts on the course set-up, noting that it has been adjusted since the last time the event was held here.

‘A bit different than what I expected, to be honest,’ said MacIntyre. ‘I know they had a backlash from the last time this event was here. I remember watching it on TV and seeing some people chasing golf balls around greens. I think that said enough and I think some other people have got control of the golf course this year.’

As the 126th US Open gets underway, all eyes will be on MacIntyre and the other top golfers as they navigate the challenges of Shinnecock Hills. With his recent form and dedication to improvement, MacIntyre is hopeful of a strong performance and perhaps even a victory.