One week on from winning the Ryder Cup in New York, Robert MacIntyre and Tyrrell Hatton battled the Scottish weather at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
MacIntyre, who played a pivotal part in the Ryder Cup win, emerged victorious in his home country for the first time. He shot an impressive 18-under par despite the stormy conditions.
Meanwhile, Tyrrell Hatton, winner of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship for a record third time last year, was unable to defend his crown. It was still a weekend to be proud of for the Englishman, however, as he finished in second, four shots behind the dominant MacIntyre.
For the European duo to finish first and second after the emotional drain of the Ryder Cup is an incredible feat, and a testament to their endurance, mental resilience, and outright love for the game.
Eddie Pepperell, a winner on the European Tour, was partnered with both players during the weekend and revealed how they were really feeling after playing a brutal schedule.
Eddie Pepperell praises ‘exhausted’ Robert MacIntyre and Tyrrell Hatton
It wasn’t evident from their play, but Pepperell said that both McIntyre and Hatton were exhausted during the Dunhill Links. Not only had they arrived shortly after their Ryder Cup celebrations, but they were forced to endure the full might of a Scottish storm which affected play throughout the tournament.
Pepperell, speaking on The Chipping Forecast, explained how they were able to overcome their tiredness.
He said, “They were knackered. [MacIntyre], his caddie, and Tyrrell all said they were running on fumes. They were exhausted… I think that points to the fact that energy can be low, but as long as your skillset is so intact, that goes such a long way in golf.
“Don’t get me wrong, you can only run on fumes for so long, but clearly, those two golfers in particular are playing a high level of golf. Their short games, in particular, their chipping and putting, were extremely sharp.”
Despite his exhaustion, Pepperell said he particularly appreciated the energy MacIntyre brought to the course. He continued, “I thoroughly enjoyed playing with Bob MacIntyre that day. It was clear he had great energy for the game. The way he was playing his game in those conditions, he was reveling in it.
“He’s got a great vitality that I found refreshing, particularly after playing with Tyrrell, where there were a lot of swear words. And I love Tyrrell, he’s one of the most impressive players I’ve ever seen in many respects. But Bob has this wonderful energy, and I found him very fun and nice to play with.”
Hatton is well known for his emotional outbursts on the course. He’s clearly able to compartmentalise that energy when playing, but it’s interesting to consider how that affects who he is playing with on the day.
Robert MacIntyre proved he can win a major championship at Dunhill Links
Growing up in Scotland has made MacIntyre well accustomed to the windy conditions that affected the 2025 Dunhill Links Championship. He shot an incredible 66 when the conditions were at their worst. It was a round he called near-perfect.
Pepperell praised MacIntyre’s ability to adapt to the weather: “That’s where Bob excels. As we all know, Bob is not just a brilliant player generally, but a phenomenal wind player.”
This year’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush saw tame conditions compared to what we have seen in the past. Scottie Scheffler cruised to victory at The Open, as the course never really bared its teeth.
But the tournament’s windy conditions from years past have affected some of the greatest golfers of all time. Even Tiger Woods shot an 81 in 2002 at the peak of his powers.
Through his play at the Dunhill Links, MacIntyre proved that he can play through poor weather as well as any player in the game. Take his performance at the rain-soaked U.S. Open this year as further evidence, as he finished second behind JJ Spaun.
MacIntyre’s recent form means a major championship is likely in his future, and if bad weather bears down on a tournament in 2026, expect the Scotsman to rise to the top of the leaderboard.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
