Bob MacIntyre flies flag for Scotland – with wonderful golf and colourful shoes

A view of Bob MacIntyre's tartan shoe during a press conference ahead of The Open at Royal Troon (Picture: Zac Goodwin/PA) | PA

After Bob MacIntyre became the first Scot to win the Scottish Open since Colin Montgomerie 25 years ago – by sinking a marvellous 20ft putt – he will carry the hopes of the nation as he steps onto the Royal Troon course today in search of a truly historic double at the 152nd Open Championship.

Following Andy Murray’s last appearance at Wimbledon and with the Scotland team crashing out of Euro 2024 at the earliest opportunity, we are a country in search of a new sporting hero to raise our spirits.

While we definitely do not want to jinx anything, MacIntyre is starting to look like the real deal. Not just a star, which he already most assuredly is, but a superstar. Victory at the Open would certainly cement the 27-year-old’s status in the game.

As we said yesterday, the margins in elite sport are extremely fine, so we shouldn’t get too carried away. But MacIntyre is flying the flag for Scotland – not least by wearing tartan on his shoes – and long may it continue. Best of luck Bob!