When Bob McIntyre first contested the Alfred Dunhill Links in 2013 he was in awe in bumping into fellow Scot Richie Ramsay for a first occasion.

Now as the second leading world-ranked Scot, McIntyre finds himself very much the centre of attention among Scottish fans in seeking a ‘selfie’ or an autograph.

The 23-year old has gone so close to a first European Tour victory this season with three second place finishes, and the most recent being the Porsche Euopean Open.

And at currently No. 13 on the Race to Dubai the young Scot is also headed for the prestigous ‘2019 European Tour Rookie of the Year’ award.

Justin Timberlake making his debut appearance at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. (Photo – europeantour/getty)

But in speaking with McIntyre the Justin Timberlake fan is not quite up there with the American singer-songwriter, and ultra keen golfer, stature.

“No, I wouldn’t say it’s celebrity status,” said McIntyre.

“I still live in Oban – it’s nice and hidden up there!  I just be myself. If people like it, they like it. If they don’t, they don’t. That’s the way it is.”

And when asked if he were to bump into Timberlake would he ask for a ‘selfie’ with the singer who’s sold over 32 million albums and previoulsy hosted a PGA Tour tournament.

Scotland’s Bob McIntyre teeing-off the second earlier today in the Alfred Dunhill Links. (Photo – europeantour/Getty)

‘I don’t mind a bit of Justin Timberlake. I’m a fan – but I won’t be going up for a selfie! I’ll stay hidden,” said McIntyre laughing.

‘Everyone is here – movie stars, the lot. You look at them and you think: “I’ve seen you in this film, in that film, loads.”

McIntyre’s last comment prompted one journalist to ask:  “Maybe they’re saying: “There’s Robert MacIntyre”?

McIntyre replied:  “Maybe that’s what they’re thinking, but they probably won’t come up to me and say that.

‘Paul Scholes came up to me last week. Well, actually, I let him by me.

‘I was like: “Oaft, there’s Paul Scholes”. But he introduced himself and we had a nice chat.”