Between 1895 and 1910, only four players won the US Open who weren’t from Scotland.
Willie Anderson was the champion four times in five years, beating other Scots into second place on three occasions. Alex Smith won the US Open for the second time in 1910, but this was a year that signified a cut-off in fortunes for the Tartan title-holders.
The trophy returned to golf’s spiritual home with Willie MacFarlane in 1925, but this was an anomaly at a tournament that was now under the tight grip of the Americans despite the best efforts of Jock Hutchison, Fred McLeod and Bobby Cruickshank at various subsequent renewals.
In 1994, Colin Montgomerie looked to end the hoodoo at Oakmont, the venue for the 2025 tournament, but he came unstuck in a three-way playoff which saw Ernie Els overcome him and Loren Roberts. At an equally tough venue in Winged Foot 12 years later, Monty fluffed his lines on the 72nd hole, making a double-bogey to miss the playoff this time with the tournament at his mercy.
Robert MacIntyre makes no bones about his pride in being Scottish. This was never clearer than when he won the Scottish Open in 2024, and a win at the US Open this year would arrive on the 100-year anniversary of MacFarlane’s victory at Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts.
“It’s difficult. Oakmont is absolute carnage on a simulator, never mind the actual event,” MacIntyre said.
“The harder the golf course, the better for me, I believe. In the end, it becomes a real battle of the mind, and I feel I’m starting to keep that under control.”
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Robert MacIntyre: US Open challenge should suit my game
There are far more reasons to be cheerful for MacIntyre compared to the start of the 2024 season. He admitted he felt lonely following his full-time move to the PGA Tour and the circuit lacked the camaraderie and togetherness of the DP World Tour – formerly the European Tour.
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This was even after playing for Europe in the Ryder Cup the year before, where he contributed two-and-a-half points towards the continent’s win against the US, under intense pressure and cauldron-like conditions.
The popular Scot justified his migration to the world’s most competitive tour with a memorable victory at the RBC Canadian Open with his dad Dougie on the bag, and then he won the Scottish Open by a shot from former Masters champion Adam Scott.
“It was a lifetime dream,” he said of winning the Scottish Open. “You never know if it’s ever going to happen. Obviously, the heartbreak the year before with Rory, you think that’s potentially your only chance – it was incredible to finally get over the line. It was literally a dream.”
His attention can now be fixed on the majors. MacIntyre has only played in three US Opens, and his theory that he thrives when the fairways narrow and the rough gets taller will receive no greater scrutiny than at Oakmont in Pennsylvania – a devilish course that has hosted America’s national championship more than any other venue.
For the 125th edition in 2025, the greens have been made larger at this Henry C Fownes masterpiece, and the bunkers have been modified too. Not only is Oakmont a fierce test with world-renowned quality, but it has also produced great champions in Gene Sarazen, Bobby Jones, Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Johnny Miller and Dustin Johnson.
MacIntyre is now established, has solid showings at the majors in his form book and can kick on with the monkey of his home open off his back, with trophies to show he can mix it with the world’s best.
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“I’ve got a good team around me that drop in and out,” MacIntyre said.” I just feel more comfortable. I’m more, not so much welcomed, but almost accepted. I was a big believer in that when I first started – you earn the respect of these top guys, and I feel I’ve done that in the last eight months or so.
“On that side of it, I feel a lot more comfortable at golf tournaments and competing. Under the gun, it’s different – you’re still uncomfortable, but it’s golf. Good golf takes care of everything.
“The US Open? To be honest, I would take any major,” he added. “I’m not picky in that sense.”
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