Bob MacIntyre 'excited' to tee up first Belfry visit in Betfred British Masters

Bob MacIntyre will aim to end a 21-year wait for another Scottish success in the Betfred British Masters after confirming he will tee it up at The Belfry in an event being hosted by Danny Willett next month.

Scottish No 1 Bob MacIntyre is set to be one of the star attractions in next month's Betfred British Masters at The Belfry. Picture: Getty Images

The 24-year-old from Oban is riding the crest of a wave after encouraging debut performances in both the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, where he topped a group that included world No 1 Dustin Johnson, and the Masters, finishing in a share of 12th to secure a return to Augusta National in 2022.

In his first season on the European Tour, MacIntyre finished joint runner up in the 2019 British Masters at Hillside, an effort that helped him go on to become Rookie of the Year.

He is now hoping to go one better and follow in the footsteps of Bernard Gallacher, Sandy Lyle, Colin Montgomerie, Sam Torrance and Gary Orr, who was the last to achieve the feat in 2000, as Scottish winners of the British Masters since the Tour’s inception in 1972.

“I’m really excited to play at The Belfry for the first time in my career,” said MacIntyre, who recorded his breakthrough win on the circuit in the Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Showdown.

“It’s an iconic venue and one that is steeped in history with its Ryder Cup and European Tour heritage."

MacIntyre, who has vowed that he won’t turn his back on the European Tour despite his recent eye-catching efforts on the PGA Tour, added: “Some of the most iconic names in Scottish golf have won the British Masters and I’d love to add my name to that list.

“I came close to winning this event two years ago at Hillside and I feel as though I learned a lot from that experience of being in contention down the home stretch.”

Also joining MacIntyre and tournament host Willett on 12-15 May at the Midlands venue are Ryder Cup players Jamie Donaldson, Stephen Gallacher, David Howell, Andy Sullivan, Oliver Wilson and Chris Wood.

Last year’s winner, Italian Renato Paratore, will bid to defend the title he won last year at Close House as an event hosted by Lee Westwood marked the full resumption of the European Tour’s 2020 season following a three-month pause due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

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