Robert MacIntyre Triumphs at Dunhill Links, Eyes Major Glory After Stormy Victory at St. Andrews
October 5, 2025
Robert MacIntyre secured his second European Tour title at the Dunhill Links Championship at St. Andrews, finishing with a four-stroke lead at 18-under 198, in a tournament shortened to 54 holes due to stormy weather.
Despite arriving late and playing with minimal preparation, MacIntyre relied on his links golf knowledge and avoided trouble like pot bunkers, ultimately celebrating his victory with joy and humor.
The event featured a competitive field with notable players such as Richard Sterne, John Parry, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Tommy Fleetwood, and included a lively celebration with European players singing and dancing after Ryder Cup victory celebrations.
MacIntyre, currently ranked ninth in the Official World Golf Rankings, expressed his ambition to reach the top of the golf world, acknowledging that Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, is in a different league, but he remains focused on improving.
His recent career highlights include wins at the RBC Canadian Open and Genesis Scottish Open, and he is projected to rise to a career-high of eighth in the world rankings following this victory.
In his preparation, MacIntyre only played 12 practice holes and maintained a diet mainly of fish and chips, showcasing his unconventional approach to the tournament.
MacIntyre aims to win his first Major Championship, with The Open at St. Andrews in 2027 as his ideal goal, and is confident in his game after recent successes, including near-misses at the U.S. Open and Royal Portrush.
He switched to a Titleist Pro V1 golf ball in late 2023, inspired by playing alongside Justin Rose, and used equipment like TSR2 driver, 620 CB irons, and Vokey wedges, making 21 birdies and hitting 83% of greens in regulation during the tournament.
He acknowledged the importance of managing difficult situations, such as hitting into a bunker during the final round, and credited his overall game for his performance this week.
The Dunhill Links Championship is a prestigious event played on Scotland's east coast, known for its unique courses and significant purse, though its scheduling after the Ryder Cup limits participation by top players.
During the post-victory interview, MacIntyre discussed the differences of the Dunhill Links, noting the varied courses and the experience of not being in the final group, as well as his performance including a bogey on 17 and a missed putt on 18.
There is ongoing debate about the future organization of the Ryder Cup, with suggestions that the PGA Tour might need to take control due to dissatisfaction with the PGA of America's handling of fan behavior and event management.
The tournament also featured a pro-am with celebrities like Bill Murray, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Wayne Gretzky, highlighting its high-profile nature.
Summary based on 29 sources
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Sources

BBC Sport • Oct 5, 2025
Robert MacIntyre wins Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on home soil
AP News • Oct 5, 2025
MacIntyre wins Dunhill Links Championship in native Scotland | AP News
ESPN • Oct 5, 2025
Robert MacIntyre, off Ryder win, claims Dunhill Links title - ESPN