Bob MacIntyre launched a sizzling sunrise surge to set up a shot at another home crown. The Tartan ace carved a magnificent opportunity to land a second Genesis Scottish Open title after a terrific early-morning run at Renaissance.
Early Start After Fog Delay
MacIntyre was among the players called back for a daybreak shift on day four of the event after weather wrecked Saturday. The Oban ace and the majority of the championship pacesetters had to get back to the track at first light having failed to get their third rounds concluded during a fog-affected third day.
MacIntyre managed just nine holes of his third round in between two suspensions of play, having been delayed almost three hours to tee off just after 5:30pm. The Scot was able to keep things together through the deepening haar and got to the turn in 33 shots to head to his bed on Saturday night two behind leaders Matt Fitzpatrick and Michael Thorbjornsen, who also had to stop with their rounds uncompleted.
Lightning Start on Sunday Morning
MacIntyre and the rest of the affected stars had to get going at 7am on Sunday morning to get their penultimate effort finished and set up the fourth day. The 29-year-old wasted no time in flashing through the field to get himself onto the top of the boards by the time he finished just before 9am.
MacIntyre hit birdies at the 11th, 13th and 14th to move to 12-under par and sit level at the summit as he walked back into the clubhouse to get ready for round four. The Scottish star is going to have massive home backing as he looks to extend a sensational Renaissance record.
History at Renaissance
MacIntyre was just pipped to the title in 2023 when Rory McIlroy beat him on the final hole, but he would be denied 12 months later as he triumphed. Now he's on the premises again going into the last round after laps of 67, 66 and now 65 put him into the mix for more glory.
MacIntyre has been cheered across the course this week and now has the chance to finish the job on Sunday afternoon. Following his Friday round, the local boy outlined his hopes of getting into this position and giving the fans something to shout about once more.
MacIntyre on Home Support
He said: "When I hear the shouts, when you hole a putt and you hear the cheers. If I hole a putt there Sunday to do something, get right in about it, then I'll probably go a bit wild. Now I hold it. I get goosebumps and I love it when they cheer for me, but it's trying to stay as calm as I can and just make sure to move forward after that."
