Oban’s schools welcomed Bob MacIntyre last week as the Ryder Cup winner participated in a series of events in his hometown.
The 27-year-old visited Park, Rockfield and St Columba’s primary schools on Friday December 8 and opened Park’s new playground obstacle course.
MacIntyre then arrived at Oban High School for a civic ceremony hosted by the Provost of Argyll & Bute, Maurice Corry, and took part in a Q&A session.
He had the Ryder Cup trophy along with him, posing for photographs after answering a range of questions on his golfing journey and love of shinty.
During the session, MacIntyre explained that he had grown up next door to Glencruitten Golf Club and that his father was the greenkeeper there.
He said: “It (a golf club) was pretty much put in my hands when I could walk.
“I then realised when I was about 14 that I was decent at golf and I got supported by the right people, mainly my family.
“We had a bit of funding from a few folk because like the majority of you guys, when you’re working class you can’t make things happen without funding and support. I was lucky enough that I got that.”
He added: “One of my biggest things is sacrifice. I remember turning 18 years old, I didn’t have a job and my mates were inviting me on nights out all the time. I was sacrificing everything.
“It’s so hard to make it in sport and it’s so easy to get led astray. If you want something bad enough you’ve got to know you can sacrifice because you’re chasing something bigger.”
Arguably, one of the tougher questions put to MacIntyre was whether he preferred golf or shinty.
“For the enjoyment side of it it’s 100 per cent shinty, but unfortunately I can’t do it everyday of my life,” he replied.
“Shinty was kind off my first love and as long as I can play it I’ll keep doing that.”
MacIntyre is set to receive the Freedom of Argyll from Argyll & Bute Council to recognise his sporting achievements.
Mr Corry said: “It was a pleasure for us to welcome Robert today. This year he made his first Ryder Cup appearance and went undefeated.
“It was on the back of this fabulous performance for Team Europe that the council decided to hold these events. He is such a vocal ambassador for his home town of Oban, helping to promote the wonderful community spirit in Argyll and Bute on the world stage.”
Following the ceremony, MacIntyre told The Oban Times: “When I was growing up I didn’t get the opportunity to see or know anyone that had won it (the Ryder Cup), so I’m just trying to show that you can achieve these things when you come from a small town.”
On starting out at Oban’s hilly Glencruitten Golf Course, he said: “It’s difficult, but when it’s all you’ve got you just have to work at it and use it to your advantage. I think it’s been good for certain parts of my game that I still use because you’ve got to be creative.
“Sometimes I go out with a half set of clubs and play different shots and even when I come home I still play the odd game of golf at Glencruitten and that will probably continue until the day I stop.”
Commenting on the post Ryder Cup celebrations, he said: “I came straight home and one of my good friends shut The Lorne (Bar) for me, so me and a couple of mates and family went there for a couple of hours to enjoy it.
“This weekend will be the first time I’ve really sat and not had anything else on my mind, and that I can actually reflect on winning the Ryder Cup.”
During the previous Q&A session MacIntyre had added: “It’s the reason I play golf and that I chase my dreams day in and day out. When I had the chance I did absolutely everything that I could to get there.
“It was a dream come true and as a kid I dreamed of playing in certain golf tournaments and that was one.”
A move stateside beckons for the Oban golfer, but his main goal for next year will be holding on to his PGA Tour card and winning tournaments off the back of a momentous 2023.
