Scottie Scheffler is undoubtedly the best golfer in the world at the moment, but he’s not the most popular at the Scottish Open.
That’s because proud Scotsman and last year’s winner Robert MacIntyre is in the field, and the two in fact played together in the first round on Thursday.
Scheffler impressed, as he usually does, with a three-under-par 67, while MacIntyre recovered from a tricky start to shoot a 68.
After the opening round, Scheffler reflected on what it was like to play with MacIntyre in front of his biggest supporters.
Scottie Scheffler comments on British crowd at Scottish Open
Scheffler is universally liked by golf fans worldwide, but he was not even the biggest draw in his group on Thursday at the Scottish Open.
The British fans were pulling for 2024 champion MacIntyre more than the world number one, not that he minded whatsoever.
“It’s always fun playing with Bob,” Scheffler said. “He’s a great guy. Fun to watch him play some links golf. Feel like I learn some stuff from him out there. It was a good day.
He continued: “Bob was definitely the crowd favourite today but I felt like the crowd did a great job of supporting all three of us and it was a fun day.”
MacIntyre was also asked about what the crowd was like on Thursday at the Renaissance Club and throughout his career so far.
“Yeah, it’s been unbelievable the support I’ve had since I turned professional,” he explained in his latest interview.
“In 2019, I had a big finish at The Open, and that started the momentum. I’ve just trusted everything I’ve done. I’ve trusted the whole team around me and just, I don’t know my limits. So just keep pushing as hard as we can.
“Yeah, I hope that there’s many more Scottish guys. I know there’s a lot of young amateur guys pushing hard, and boys in America, as well. The more that I can do my bit, it drives them to go on but seeing them going well pushes me, as well.”
Scheffler, MacIntyre and Adam Scott will also play together in the second round of the Scottish Open on Friday afternoon.
Scottie Scheffler reflects on opening round 67 at Scottish Open
Scheffler will be at least three shots behind the leaders once play concludes on Thursday, but it was still a decent start to the tournament.
“I feel like I could have got a little bit more out of my round,” the American reflected on his performance.
“I felt like I did some good things that I didn’t quite get rewarded for after my start but you know, 3-under, I wish I could have had a couple of bogeys back but overall, not too bad.
Perhaps some of his frustration comes from the possibility that the playing conditions in the second round could be more challenging.
“Well, this golf course in particular, the wind has a big effect on the way the golf course plays,” Scheffler added.
“I think tomorrow in the afternoon we’ll get the total opposite wind than we had today. So that will be a new challenge and something I get prepared for.”
Still, Scheffler will feel like he’s in with a chance to win the tournament as long as he’s within five or six shots heading into the weekend.
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