Bob MacIntyre is set for a sunrise start at The Open at Royal Birkdale. The Scottish star will begin his opening round at 7:19am on Thursday alongside Rickie Fowler and Alex Fitzpatrick.
Scottish Contingent at the 154th Open
MacIntyre is one of just two Tartan stars at the 154th Championship, with Ayrshire's Jack McDonald also in the field. McDonald tees off at 7:19am in his opening round as well.
World No.1 and defending champion Scottie Scheffler is in the marquee morning groups on day one, starting at 9:58am with Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton. Tommy Fleetwood and Jon Rahm follow at 10:09am alongside 2017 Birkdale champion Jordan Spieth.
Afternoon Starters and Friday Groups
Rory McIlroy headlines the Thursday afternoon starters, teeing off at 3:15pm alongside Matt Fitzpatrick and Xander Schauffele, who won the 2024 Open at Troon. That trio takes the 10:09am morning slot on Friday for day two, while Scheffler's group switches to 3:04pm.
McDonald is in the penultimate match on Friday with a 4:10pm start, playing with Frenchman Frederic Lacroix and South Africa's MJ Daffue. MacIntyre's second round begins at lunchtime at 12:25pm, again with Fowler and Fitzpatrick.
MacIntyre's Form and Confidence
MacIntyre is excited for his chances in Southport after finishing tied for third at last weekend's Genesis Scottish Open, a result that followed a Top 10 at the Travelers Championship. He is taking confidence into Birkdale.
MacIntyre stated: “Yeah, I can. I will. No reason why not. No reason why I can’t compete and, hopefully, come Sunday, next weekend, I can be in the exact same position, have a chance on the back nine and that’s all we play for.”
Having finished second in the US Open last year, he was asked what he needed to take the next step and replied: “Luck. Simple. Better luck.”
