Rory McIlroy set for awkward Scottish Open as rival speaks out after shattered 'dream'

Rory McIlroy is set for a potentially awkward reunion at the Scottish Open with Robert MacIntyre a year on from shattering his golf rival’s ‘dream’. MacIntyre excelled against McIlroy at last year’s tournament but was narrowly beaten.

Fate has seen the duo paired together again for this year’s Scottish Open. They will be joined in their group by Viktor Hovland.

MacIntyre hit a stunning final round 64 in North Berwick last year to post a score of 14-under-par. His round included a remarkable birdie on the 18th, in which he hit a shot from the rough through strong winds to land within an easy putt of the hole.

But four-time major winner McIlroy sensationally overcame the deficit. The Northern Irishman hit successive birdies in his final two holes to snatch victory from MacIntyre.

MacIntyre has revealed that it would be his ‘dream’ to win a Scottish Open and now has McIlroy standing in his way again. He said: “I am from a small town, I have had great support from family and friends but I never thought I would have support like that at a golf tournament.

"I dreamed of winning a Scottish Open or an Open. You never think it is going to happen. When I holed that putt on 18 the noise and support was amazing.

"Walking across the bridge behind the 18th green, I looked down to my left and I could see my family and I thought ‘what have I just done?’”

Despite the devastation of last year’s defeat by McIlroy, MacIntyre was buoyed by his performances and felt it was the first time in his career that he felt on a level playing field with the world’s best players. The 27-year-old said: "The Scottish Open was the first time I really felt I was in the mix against the top boys.

"Obviously, it is on home soil so it is links golf, you are more comfortable. It was good to know you can play against the best and know that your best stuff is up there.

"It was a dream of mine, if I was ever a professional golfer, to compete in a Scottish Open, and, if I could compete in it, I'm going there to win.

"I'd love to win a Scottish Open, if not a major, then the Scottish Open is the next thing."