Good friend Calum Hill says Bob MacIntyre’s gladitorial effortrs in helping Europe secure victory in Rome will be inspirational to every Scottish golfer.

Like most, Hill said he was glued to the ‘box’ for the three days of competition at the Marco Simone course and where the Gleneagles-attached Scot has competed in the Italian Open over two of the past three years.

Hill said: “It was a fanastic win and to be honest with you, I was trying to get in some practice but just found myself on the couch glued to watching the coverage.

Robert MacIntyre triumphantly holds aloft the Ryder Cup

“The start Europe had on Friday morning was outrageous, and I thought they would really runaway with it, and they then almost marginally let the Americans back in the Saturday fourballs.

“The Singles started well for Europe but it then got interesting for a couple of hours, and I thought this could be another Medinah and then to halve the last session is probably the first time in ages the Singles have ended even six points apiece.

“As for Bob?  I am just so pleased for him as everyone is.   Then to see him on the team bus leading the singing of ‘500 Miles’ was one of the funniest things I’ve seen”.

Hill is only getting his own career back on track since a debilitating illness a few years back but watching MacIntyre was simply inspirational.

Calum Hill

Hill said: “It was just unbelievable for Bob to go undefeated in first teaming with Rosie (Justin Rose) and for them to take down Thomas and Speith, and then for Bob to see off Clark and the US Open champion was unbelievable and so pleased for Bob.

“Defeating Clark in the very last match was a huge scalp for Bob.

“It’s a great result for European Tour golf and for Scottish golf, and just so thrilled with the win”.

Hill was surprised to learn MacIntyre is competing in this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and, as such, is now very much looking forward to congratulating the Oban lefty.

Hill said: “Is Bob playing this week?  Wow!  If he does turn-up I will be surprised but it will be massive congrats from everyone if he does play

And while Hill and many of the other crop of DP World Tour Scots are delighted for MacIntyre, Hill said MacIntyre’s Rome effort will be inspirational to all teeing-up on Tour.

Hill said: “You are always striving to be good enough in this sport to win a major or qualify for a Ryder Cup, so what Bob has achieved is inspirational.

“He’s got to the pinnacle of a Ryder Cup team tasting victory and also being undefeated.

“It’s also brilliant for the Tour and it really came down to our top-four guys just playing so much better than their top-four, with Tommy, Jon, Rory and Viktor all fantastic, and it was great to see everyone on the European Team play as good as they did.”

Well said Calum and the sentiments of all sports-loving Scots.