Luke Donald believes Robert MacIntyre 'can handle anything' ahead of Open – Golf News

European captain Luke Donald believes Robert MacIntyre's Ryder Cup debut has given him the belief that he can “handle anything”.

MacIntyre won two-and-a-half points from three matches in Rome last year, including one victory over US Open champion Wyndham Clark, as the home side reclaimed the trophy in emphatic style.

The left-hander has since won his first PGA Tour title at the RBC Canadian Open and produced a stunning performance to win the Genesis Scottish Open on Sunday, just days before the 152nd Open at Royal Troon begins.

“It was a very special thing to win two games in this country and last week, with all the pressure he had honestly because it was the one he wanted to win, which shows a lot of determination and determination,” said Donald.

“We all know that Bob had that, he showed it in the Ryder Cup. It was a difficult week for him, he didn't feel like he was at his best, he kept grinding and getting little things here and there.

“When you accept the Ryder Cup and have a good week like he did, you leave the week thinking that if you can handle that pressure, you can handle anything.

“I hope the Ryder Cup has helped his journey and he can continue this form and continue to grow as he shows he is one of the best in the world right now.”

MacIntyre is expected to begin his Open campaign shortly after 9.30am alongside Ryder Cup teammates Jon Rahm and Tommy Fleetwood, with US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau in the group behind.

World number two Rory McIlroy, who finished agonizingly behind DeChambeau at Pinehurst, will tee off alongside Tyrrell Hatton and Max Homa shortly after 10am, with Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler among the later starters.

Something new in 2024?

In its 10th Open Championship, Royal Troon will measure 7,385 yards, 195 more than when Henrik Stenson lifted the Claret Jug in 2016 following an epic duel with Phil Mickelson.

An addition of 22 yards on the par-6 means that, at 623 yards, it has regained its status as the longest on the Open rota, with the shortest – the 123-yard Postage Stamp and its Coffin Bunker – coming two holes later. .

Form players?

Home favorite MacIntyre comes off the back of a memorable success at the Genesis Scottish Open, where McIlroy bounced back from his US Open heartbreak with a tie for fourth.

World No. 1 Scheffler has not competed since his sixth win of the season at the Traveler Championship on June 23, while DeChambeau followed up his US Open victory with top 10s in two LIV events.

Selected tee times

0635 – Justin Leonard, Todd Hamilton, Jack McDonald

0936 – Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, Robert MacIntyre

0947 – Ludvig Aberg, Bryson DeChambeau, Tom Kim

1009 – Rory McIlroy, Max Homa, Tyrrell Hatton

1437 – Tiger Woods, Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay

1510 – Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler, Cameron Young

The weather

It will be cloudy with very light showers or showers on or off during the day. It will be breezy with a chance of rain and drizzle in the afternoon. Winds from the south or SSE at 12-15 mph, gusting to 20-25 mph, strongest in the afternoon.