Robert ‘Bob’ MacIntyre – and his daddy caddy Dougie – have delighted Oban folk with a major win at the Canadian PGA.
Many fans stayed up late and celebrated into the night after after Robert clinched his first tour title.
Dad Dougie has been given the credit for the win, with Robert in an emotional interview saying how he could not have done it without him.
Despite a few very sore heads in Oban this morning, everyone was delighted for the 27-year-old – and thrilled his father was with him for his win.
Town ‘delighted’ for Bob
Dougie is the head greenkeeper at Oban’s Glencruitten Golf Club, which is known as ‘The Home of Robert MacIntyre’.
Today, club secretary John Tannahill said the win came as “no surprise”.
“We are absolutely delighted for Bob, Dougie and the rest of the Macintyre family after such a momentous result,” he said.
“For those who know Bob this comes as no surprise and we look forward to more success and perhaps a few majors.
“It comes at an opportune time for the golf club as, like many other small town golf clubs, we are struggling financially and the hope is that interest in Bob will generate an increase in visitors numbers for us.”
Club captain Kenny Devine told BBC Lunchtime Live that celebrations went on late into the night.
He said: “It was a very good afternoon and evening in Glencruitten. It went on fairly late.
“Absolutely delighted that Dougie went out to join Bob and carry the bag.
“The town is buzzing with it. ”
Former sports editor at The Oban Times, Euan Paterson, said: “I had the privilege of working on The Oban Times sports desk when Bob was beginning his trajectory to Canadian Open champion.
“From promising youngster, to Argyll and Bute champion as a teenager, and then his journey to McNeese State University in Louisiana and turning pro, his amazing achievements always gave us lots to write about.
“He was the definition of the phrase ‘an old head on young shoulders’, and had a determination about him that hinted at future success.
“He talks about family often and what was always apparent to me was the wholehearted support from his family and their obvious pride in every achievement.”
He added: “I’m so happy for his parents Dougie and Carol, who put so much into making him the golfer and the man he is today.”
‘Bob’s win is a win for us all’
Local shop owner Fiona Fraser said it was a “moment in time”.
The fine jewellery maker said: “I am delighted for Robert MacIntyre and I am delighted that his family – especially his dad Dougie – was with him for his win.
“His win at the Canadian PGA is just wonderful and wonderful for Oban too.”
Golf fan Alan MacLean from Australia, who has been visiting Oban, said he was pleased for the young golfer.
He said: “That’s brilliant someone from a small town can win the Canadian PGA.
“I am sure his dad will be digging out the divots from everyone taking up golf when he returns.”
Local postwoman Kirsteen MacLennan said: “It is brilliant, and so lovely to see someone from Oban do so well. We are all behind him.
“I have spoken to a few people today and it seems like everyone was up until midnight.”
