2024 GENESIS SCOTTISH OPEN
For the eighth time in ten years, Scotland’s Golf Coast was the proud host of the Genesis Scottish Open. The week prior to the Open is now well and truly established in East Lothian, and the world’s best were once again in attendance.
Scotland’s Hope at the Scottish Open
The Scottish Open has always had a place in the hearts of professional golfers, with past championships held at Carnoustie, Gleneagles and Loch Lomond, and winners including Justin Rose, Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie. And, it was the latter’s name that was on many local golfer’s lips, as they looked upon home hero, Robert MacIntyre to be Scotland’s first winner since 1999.
Agonisingly close last year, it was only Rory McIlroy’s birdie, birdie finish that stopped MacIntyre becoming the first Scot to hold the trophy aloft since Montgomerie. MacIntyre stormed through the field in last year’s edition with a six under par 64, but it was ultimately not quite enough.
Written In The Stars
The disappointed MacIntyre went on record, saying that the Scottish Open was “the one he wants”. Having been in the winners’ circle for the first time on the PGA Tour earlier this year at the Canadian Open, it felt like it was written in the stars. A week of mixed links’ weather gave the field plenty to think about, but Mother Nature was a little kinder this year, and the pros enjoyed the conditions. Despite East Lothian being the driest area of Scotland, the wind does sometimes blow!
Stars Arrive Early
Keen to practice his bump and runs, Justin Thomas is always a popular figure in East Lothian. After a mixed season, he once again arrived early and honed his skills on one of his favourite’s, North Berwick. Alongside Spieth and Fowler, it is always fantastic to see the superstars interact with the locals and enjoy the variety of courses on the coast. It was Thomas who set the pace, with a majestic 62 on Thursday.
Ryder Cup Hero Äberg Sets The Pace
A settling one under 69 eased MacIntyre into the tournament. Lurking behind, however, was one of the stories of the week, as rising star Ludvig Äberg majestically mastered the Renaissance course. Three rounds of 64, 64, 65 left the Swede two shots clear after the penultimate round. Keeping pace, and more than matching his Ryder Cup teammate, MacIntyre’s 3rd round of 63 could not be bettered. He was now in prime position for the final round charge.
Links’ golf needs creativity, skill, commitment, but also a slice of luck. As MacIntyre pulled his tee shot on the par 5 16th, you sensed a nation cross everything as his ball flew into the rough. There were few spectators who would have predicted MacIntyre would walk off with an eagle. A fortunate lie next to a sprinkler head meant a free drop. The putt rolled in for a three, and he had leader, Adam Scott firmly in his sights.
Bob’s Scottish Open
Scott had rolled back the years, and with his ‘driver off the deck’ demonstrations, he had carded a 17 under total. Having birdied the last in 2023, it was just another birdie needed for the Oban lad to achieve one of his biggest goals. A birdie was duly achieved and MacIntyre had done it. Congratulations, Bob!
Scotland’s Golf Coast Showcased To The World
What a week on the coast. The coverage of our region is second to none and highlights the quality of Scotland’s Golf Coast. No matter what your standard of golf may be, budget, parkland or links, B&B or golf resort, we have it covered. See what all the fuss is about, click on the links and explore our beautiful part of the world. See you next year, PGA and DP World Tours.
