Rose Singles Out MacIntyre For His Gold Medal ‘Rookie’ Winning Effort.

4 years ago by Comments Off on Rose Singles Out MacIntyre For His Gold Medal ‘Rookie’ Winning Effort.

… Dubai, UAE 

Olympic Gold Medal winning Justin Rose has led the praise for Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre in being crowned 2019 ‘Rookie of the Year’.

MacIntyre, and contesting his last round of the year in the company of Rose, virtually needed to break a leg to be denied the title in eventually posting a DP World Tour Championship closing round of 69 to share 14th place at six-under par in the season-ending event in Dubai.

The Oban lefty ended his rookie season 11th on the Race to Dubai and three places higher than ‘rookie’ rival American Kury Kitayama, who failed to break 70 over the four Jumeirah Estate rounds and finish 48th at eight-over par in the 50-player field.

First to congratulate MacIntrye was his Irish-born caddy, Greg Milne before he fell into the out-stretched arms of a waiting Iain ‘Stoddy’ Stoddard his Bounce Sports Manager.

Then as MacIntyre arrived close to the scorer’s hut he was embraced by Austrian and reigning Scottish Open winner Bernd Wiesberger, who saw his goal of ending the year as European No. 1 end as he also failed to break 70 over the four days to be ranked third on the money list.

Spain’s Jon Rahm holed a near tap-in birdie at the last in a round of 69 for a one-shot 19-under par total and capture a second DP World Tour title in three years, and in the process end also a three-event winning year at European No. 1.

European Tour CEO, Keith Pelley handed MacIntyre the ‘Rookie of the Year’ trophy while the Scot also collected the top Challenge Tour graduate for 2019 from last year’s secondary Tour.

Pelley said:  “We all agree that Robert is not only a spectacular player with seven top-10s to have a year worthy of receiving both awards while he is an incredible young man off the golf course, as well.

“I think you’ll play a lot of major championships. I know you’ll win a lot of European Tour events, and you should be proud of yourself, and we’re certainly proud that you’re a Member of The European Tour. So congratulations.”

MacIntyre was his calm and collected best in becoming the 12th Scot, and since the Sir Henry Cotton trophy was first presented in 1960, to win the award and a first in 13-years since Marc Warren was honoured in 2016.

Other Scottish winners include Scott Drummond (2004), Scott Henderson (1997), Gary Orr (1993), Colin Montgomerie (1988), Gordon Brand Jnr (1982) Mike Miller (1979), Sandy Lyle (1978), Sam Torrance (1972), Bernard Gallacher (1968) and Robin Liddle (1966).

MacIntyre said:  “It feels great now that it’s finally over, done and dusted. It’s going to mean a lot to my family more than anyone, so I’m just absolutely delighted to finally get over the line.

“I’ve seen the names of the guys who have won the award and now it’s going to Robert MacIntyre’s, as well. I’m absolutely delighted.

Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre holding in his left hand the leading ‘Graduate of the Year’ off the secondary Challenge Tour and in his left hand the ‘Rookie of the Year’ trophy. (Photo @tourmiss)

“I didn’t expect a season like this from a first season. I’ve seen guys, friends come on here and struggle a little bit, but I didn’t think this would happen. I knew my golf game was good enough.

“I just didn’t know if it was going to turn out this year; it’s best I’ve ever played, and that’s thanks to everyone on my team, especially David Burns (coach) who has coached me for the last three years, so I just can’t thank them enough.”

MacIntyre ended the year also with earnings of £Stg 2.37m in prizemoney and is on the looking now for his own house

He said: “I am thinking of my own house but I don’t know as I’ve got plenty of years ahead of my before I live on my own.

Robert MacIntyre and the MacIntyre ‘clan’ gather around the 2019 ‘Rookie of the Year’ (Photo @tourmiss)

“Besides I love my mum doing the washing and cooking all the meals, so that is going to be hard to leave behind (smiling).”

Rose ended his 20th full year in the pro ranks posting a weekend pair of 73s and three shots behind MacIntyre at three-under par, and back in 32nd on the Race to Dubai.

And while Rose next tees-up in Tiger Woods  hosted Hero World Challenge, and just a wedge shot from his own palatial Bahamas abode, the current World No. 8 spoke of his praise for MacIntyre.

Rose said:  “Robert looks very humble and well-rooted. Just down to earth. Just continue that, really.

“I don’t think expectations are ever good things. They come with success and you have to earn your way so he still has to prove himself. This is just chat. He still has to win and learn all those things.

“Though in saying that, he has a brilliant journey ahead of him.

“This is like the first little nugget that you are on your way. This should be a quick pat on the back, don’t take your eye off the ball and kick on. He’s got to kick on.

“Hopefully it makes him hungry.”

MacIntyre has risen another six spots on the World Rankings to 65th and now just 15 places, and still some four months to break into the world’s elite top-50.

And if so, there will be an envelope arriving at the MacIntyre residence in Oban post-marked ‘Augusta, Georgia’.

 

 



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