You thought it was difficult to get a seat at the Ryder Cup, but try finding a place in the Glencruitten Clubhouse as local hero Robert MacIntyre leads Team Europe on the Marco Simone Course.
John Tannahill, the secretary of the club, said, “It’s about 80 seats in the lounge, but we expect about 200,” as he imagined the kind a boisterous, crowded fervor that you would get back in the days when the Colosseum used to be like a fair. Oban’s citizens may not all be dressed in togas or tunics but you get what I mean.
Glencruitten is located on the west coast of Scotland about 100 miles north of Glasgow. MacIntyre was born in Oban, a nearby city. He has been playing at the club ever since he started.
Bob’s Italian job has taken over the city.
Tannahill added, “The place is buzzing.” When you drive along the esplanade there are large banners that say ‘Good luck Bob’. It’s fantastic.
MacIntyre’s golfing accomplishments and endeavors have definitely put Glencruitten in the spotlight. Tannahill said, “It is amazing to think about its profile and there have been an increase in American visitors who come off cruise ships.” “Maybe it is the Bob Effect?”
It is delightful to imagine Elmer and Beatrice, from Wyoming, playing 18 holes on their bucket list after being intrigued by Jim Nantz’s attempt to pronounce “Glencruitten”, during the Masters coverage.
The second hole of Glencruitten Golf Club. Photo courtesy of Glencruitten golf club
Glencruitten is still the same, a homely club with a down-to earth feel, like Scotland. MacIntyre hasn’t changed either, despite fame and fortune.
“Everyone knows him and his entire family is deeply rooted in the club,” said Tannahill. She became a member of the club in 1980, two years before MacIntyre’s father, Dougie began working as an assistant greenkeeper. “I went on golf holidays too with his grandfather. There are a few older members who like to come here for coffee, bacon rolls and play five or six rounds of golf. They are at the club to have a chat. Bob will always go to them first, no matter where he is in the world of golf. He loves it.
“We are a small club. Our fees are low, and at times it can be difficult to keep up. We’ve seen a decline in juniors, but that’s starting to change. Bob has been a great help in this regard. It’s hard to find a more inspirational figure. In Oban we have two shinty clubs, football and rugby. The golf club is not helped by the fact that all of this takes place on Saturdays. We have 350 members who pay PS360 per year. It doesn’t generate vast sums. We have a large number of members. “That’s what matters.”
MacIntyre’s ascent to the pantheon of Ryder Cup players is another fascinating chapter in an intriguing sporting story. His ascent is a marvel, much like his 3-wood approach to the final green at the Scottish Open in July, where he was on the verge of victory, only to have Rory McIlroy pull off a stunning finish.
Robert MacIntyre takes off at the 14th green during the final round 2023 Genesis Scottish Open held at The Renaissance Club, United Kingdom. (Photo by Octavio Pasos/Getty Images).
“I watched him take the shot, and I was thinking ‘God what’s going to he do here?'”, reflected Tannahill, of a shot that sealed his Ryder Cup spot. In many ways, it showed his unwavering focus and ability to act on the spur of the moment. He is not afraid to take big decisions, and he makes them most of the time.
I don’t believe anyone would have imagined him at the Ryder Cup. It was a dream, but could it become a reality. You can’t rely on the pick and be one of only six players to qualify? Well, that’s unbelievable. His entire journey has been unique. We’ll watch him every week and wonder what’s next. Many golfers are talented, but lack that special something to take them to the next level.
Bob shares the same competitive spirit as his family. He will love the Ryder Cup. He thrives on the team environment. “I’d say that the European team room is going to be more calm than the shiny team bus.”
No matter what happens in Rome this weekend, Glencruitten and Tannahill will enjoy a rare time.
The 70-year old laughed at the bar’s well-stocked kegs, bottles and optics that would probably produce the same amount of liquid as the Firth of Lorn. He said, “I think Europe will do it.” “We’ll wait for Bob to hole the winning putt.”
You could find yourself on the edge of your seat. You’ll be lucky if you get a seat.
