Scottish Golfer MacIntyre Leads Early at The Open Championship Amidst Slow Play and Course Adjustments

Sports · 2026-07-20 18:57:00

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The Open Championship is being held this year at Royal Birkdale, a par-70 course where the 18th tee box has been moved back 35 yards. Scottish golfer Bob MacIntyre, age 29, carded a first-round score of 67, highlighted by sinking a 46-foot putt on the first hole, and followed with a second-round score of 69. Cam Smith, who previously won The Open at St Andrews in 2022, posted a first-round score of 73; his round lasted over five hours, but he did not express frustration regarding the pace of play while accompanied by his caddie, Sam Pinfold. Following his initial round, MacIntyre shared comments via BBC Radio 5 Live and acknowledged being "not nice" to himself during his performance. This marks MacIntyre’s seventh appearance at The Open Championship, with previous finishes including 6th, 7th, and 8th places, as he aims to utilize the par fives to gain an advantage. Paul Lawrie won The Open in 1999 at Carnoustie, while Jordan Spieth secured victory at Royal Birkdale in 2017; MacIntyre’s second round is scheduled to begin Friday at 12:25 BST. Dan Brown reached four under par during the competition.

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