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The Herald Scotland
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Robert MacIntyre is the pick of the Scots at The Open
With out of bounds down the left, out of bounds down the right and thousands of eyes peering on, it's not the place for the faint-hearted. Graham stood firm, though, and smacked his 3-wood safely away. He could breathe out. 'I was just glad to be able to be in play after the tee shot,' he said with a grin. The 18-year-old would go on to post a two-over 73 which was a decent effort on a demanding day. By the time, Robert MacIntyre marched off the 18th with the clock tick-tocking towards 9pm, rounds had crept up to the six-hour mark. 'I thought six hours in a practice round the other day was a long time,' said the world No 14. 'I didn't think it would be be six hours in a tournament. 'We couldn't have gone any faster. I was speaking there to the guys (recorders), and they're saying pretty much everybody's five hours 55. I guess golf courses are too long.' That's an on-going debate for another day. Not when the newspaper deadlines were looming. Despite appearing in the upper echelons of the leaderboard during the outward half of his round - he was three-under after eight - MacIntyre eventually had to settle for a level-par 71. There may have been some frustrations, as well as the odd profanity that had the television commentators pleading for forgiveness from Ofcom, but MacIntyre was pretty happy with his prolonged shift at the Portrush office. He should put in a claim for overtime to the R&A. 'I got off to the perfect start,' reflected MacIntyre in his pre-supper summing up. 'I was three-under early doors and playing beautifully. Then there were just a couple of awkward tee shots and a couple of awkward approach shots for me. 'So, it was a disappointing finish but to get out with level-par is solid enough.' A vast two-putt on the 18th to save his par was a tidy way to finish a round that could've got away from him. 'The way I was scrambling late on, over the last four holes, I would have taken level-par,' added MacIntyre, who finished in a share of sixth at Royal Portrush on his Open debut back in 2019. 'I didn't hole any putts. But I didn't hit any wild shots either. The two-putt on the last was a good one. Overall, it was just a bit middle of the road today. 'But I thought I managed to keep a lid on it fairly well. There were a couple of swears out there. But it's difficult. There are so many cross-winds on this golf course.' Some tactical tinkering with a couple of his clubs, meanwhile, didn't have the desired effect. 'For the first time in absolute donkeys, I've changed my rescue club for a 3-iron, and I actually felt like I needed my rescue a few times off the tee today,' he added. 'But that's the way it goes. Hopefully I can go out in round two and post a good number.' MacIntyre's young compatriot, Graham, gave himself plenty to build on ahead of an early rise for his 6:45am second round tee-time. After those aforementioned nerves, the former Junior Open champion settled into the biggest occasion of his career and made a fine account of himself in the company of the 2018 Open champion, Francesco Molinari. Graham came within a whisker of a memorable moment on the 17th when his flick with a wedge from 70 yards for his second shot almost dropped into the cup. 'I had made a few silly mistakes on that back-nine and but that shot hit the hole and left me with a nice tap-in birdie,' added the former Walker Cup player of that late flourish. 'It was really difficult, that front nine. It was blowing pretty hard, then the rain came down for the first seven, eight holes. You definitely had to play good golf or else it could get away from you pretty quickly.' As 10pm loomed, it became something of a charge of the fading light brigade for the remaining Scots. Cameron Adam, the Royal Burgess amateur, also posted a two-over card while Perth's Danny Young, another Open debutant, had to settle for a four-over 75. Young had been making decent progress at one-over heading to the 17th but he made a double-bogey on the penultimate hole then stumbled to a bogey on the last. Nobody said playing in an Open was easy.
The National
16-07-2025
- Sport
- The National
Blairgowrie amateur Connor Graham set for Open debut
Back in 2019, Graham was just 12 and lined up alongside his dad, Stuart, and big brother, Gregor, in the qualifying rounds for the Scottish Amateur Championship at Crail. 'I was the only one to miss the cut out of the three of us, but I was only 12 so I had an excuse,' said Graham with a smile. Here in 2025, Graham is gearing up for an Open Championship debut. Over the past few seasons, the 18-year-old has won the Scottish Amateur Open Strokeplay Championship and the Junior Open, he has helped Europe win the Junior Ryder Cup and he became the youngest player, at 16, to compete in the Walker Cup. 'I would say I've come a long way,' added the young Scot as he reflected on the kind of rapid rise that would give most folk the bends. An Open outing will be another significant milestone. Having earned his place in the final men's major of the year the hard way – he stood firm in a play-off at final qualifying at Dundonald to nab a tee-time – Graham is ready embrace his major moment. There's a lot to absorb, of course. The stands are vast, the crowds are huge and building every day, the best players in the world are parading about and the Scottish golf writers are lurking in the dunes looking for a quick chinwag. 'I'm just trying to take it in,' added Graham, the first Blairgowrie member to play in The Open since Bradley Neil teed-up in the 2014 showpiece as the Amateur champion. 'It's important to manage everything. Some people could come here and think, 'it's a major week, so I'll have to try to hit as many balls as I can and try to play as much as I can'. 'But it's a long week as you get here early so you have to save your energy for the tournament and the golf test. It's all very different to what I'm normally playing in week-in, week-out. 'The course is very tough, it's very demanding off the tee. It's difficult to get away with a lot of stuff and you have be really good off the tee to be able to score well. 'But it's really cool to be here. Who doesn't want to play an Open? It's the one everybody wants to be in.' Graham, who has just completed his first year at US college in Texas, is a member of the Paul Lawrie Foundation. Lawrie, of course, came through a final qualifier at Downfield back in 1999 and went on to lift the Claret Jug at Carnoustie a few days later. 'That's definitely an inspiration for me,' said Graham. There's nothing wrong with aiming high in this game. Since the college term finished, Graham has packed a fair bit in. He played in the Palmer Cup, then returned to this side of the pond for the Amateur Championship, the European Amateur Championship and the Open final qualifier. It's been a hectic spell, but Graham has energised himself for his Open experience with a few days off last week. Well, in a fashion. The clubs are never far from his grasp. 'I've not got much else to do other than play golf, so I always do a little bit of practice to keep things sharp,' he said. 'If I wasn't playing golf then I'd be lying on the couch just watching some TV.' Graham has some Caledonian company this week in the shape of fellow amateur, Cameron Adam, Robert MacIntyre and Daniel Young. It's 10 years now since Young lost to MacIntyre in the final of the Scottish Amateur Championship at Muirfield. In that time, MacIntyre has enjoyed the kind of lift-off you'd get with a vessel of space exploration and the Oban lefty is now 14th in the world. Young, meanwhile, is plotting his own route up the golfing order and back-to-back top-three finishes on the second-tier HotelPlanner Tour recently bolstered the Perth man's push for promotion to the main DP World Tour. An Open debut – he also came through the qualifier at Dundonald – and the chance to reacquaint himself with MacIntyre has been a nice addition to the diary. 'There will be no hard feelings if I can turn around my career into what he (MacIntyre) has done so far,' chuckled Young as he reflected on that Scottish Amateur showdown in 2015. 'Golf is ruthless. Everybody's where they are for a reason. I'm on the HotelPlanner Tour for a reason. Bob's where he is for a reason. You've just got to work your way up the ladder.' An Open Championship is a nice rung on that climb.
The Herald Scotland
16-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Blairgowrie amateur Connor Graham set for Open debut
'I was the only one to miss the cut out of the three of us, but I was only 12 so I had an excuse,' said Graham with a smile. Here in 2025, Graham is gearing up for an Open Championship debut. Over the past few seasons, the 18-year-old has won the Scottish Amateur Open Strokeplay Championship and the Junior Open, he has helped Europe win the Junior Ryder Cup and he became the youngest player, at 16, to compete in the Walker Cup. 'I would say I've come a long way,' added the young Scot as he reflected on the kind of rapid rise that would give most folk the bends. An Open outing will be another significant milestone. Having earned his place in the final men's major of the year the hard way – he stood firm in a play-off at final qualifying at Dundonald to nab a tee-time – Graham is ready embrace his major moment. There's a lot to absorb, of course. The stands are vast, the crowds are huge and building every day, the best players in the world are parading about and the Scottish golf writers are lurking in the dunes looking for a quick chinwag. 'I'm just trying to take it in,' added Graham, the first Blairgowrie member to play in The Open since Bradley Neil teed-up in the 2014 showpiece as the Amateur champion. 'It's important to manage everything. Some people could come here and think, 'it's a major week, so I'll have to try to hit as many balls as I can and try to play as much as I can'. 'But it's a long week as you get here early so you have to save your energy for the tournament and the golf test. It's all very different to what I'm normally playing in week-in, week-out. 'The course is very tough, it's very demanding off the tee. It's difficult to get away with a lot of stuff and you have be really good off the tee to be able to score well. 'But it's really cool to be here. Who doesn't want to play an Open? It's the one everybody wants to be in.' Graham, who has just completed his first year at US college in Texas, is a member of the Paul Lawrie Foundation. Lawrie, of course, came through a final qualifier at Downfield back in 1999 and went on to lift the Claret Jug at Carnoustie a few days later. 'That's definitely an inspiration for me,' said Graham. There's nothing wrong with aiming high in this game. Since the college term finished, Graham has packed a fair bit in. He played in the Palmer Cup, then returned to this side of the pond for the Amateur Championship, the European Amateur Championship and the Open final qualifier. It's been a hectic spell, but Graham has energised himself for his Open experience with a few days off last week. Well, in a fashion. The clubs are never far from his grasp. 'I've not got much else to do other than play golf, so I always do a little bit of practice to keep things sharp,' he said. 'If I wasn't playing golf then I'd be lying on the couch just watching some TV.' Graham has some Caledonian company this week in the shape of fellow amateur, Cameron Adam, Robert MacIntyre and Daniel Young. It's 10 years now since Young lost to MacIntyre in the final of the Scottish Amateur Championship at Muirfield. In that time, MacIntyre has enjoyed the kind of lift-off you'd get with a vessel of space exploration and the Oban lefty is now 14th in the world. Young, meanwhile, is plotting his own route up the golfing order and back-to-back top-three finishes on the second-tier HotelPlanner Tour recently bolstered the Perth man's push for promotion to the main DP World Tour. An Open debut – he also came through the qualifier at Dundonald – and the chance to reacquaint himself with MacIntyre has been a nice addition to the diary. 'There will be no hard feelings if I can turn around my career into what he (MacIntyre) has done so far,' chuckled Young as he reflected on that Scottish Amateur showdown in 2015. 'Golf is ruthless. Everybody's where they are for a reason. I'm on the HotelPlanner Tour for a reason. Bob's where he is for a reason. You've just got to work your way up the ladder.' An Open Championship is a nice rung on that climb.
Daily Record
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Paul Lawrie the perfect Open guide for Connor Graham at Portrush as Perth kid inspired by Scotland hero
Perthshire teenager has the ideal inspiration in the form of the 1999 Champion Connor Graham reckons the iconic Paul Lawrie image on his shirt offers the perfect inspiration ahead of a dream Open debut. The teenager is heading for the 153rd Championship after a superb Dundonald display in the qualifiers ended in a play-off success to clinch the last available place at Royal Portrush from the Ayrshire event. Graham won the Junior Open three years ago ahead of the big one at St Andrews and now he's joining the elite in Northern Ireland. The 18-year-old is an ambassador for the Paul Lawrie Foundation and, with the logo and image of the Aberdeen star's brilliant Claret Jug success of 1999 on his shirt as he won through, he can have no better Scottish hero to lean upon going into the biggest tournament of his burgeoning career. Lawrie came through a 36-hole qualifier himself before his magical week and Graham smiled: 'That's definitely an inspiration for me to maybe try and do the same, we'll see. 'It's great to have his support and to be able to lean on someone who has so much experience is definitely helpful. I had a chance to wander around at St Andrews. 'And now getting to play in it will be very special. I wouldn't say there is anything specific, but every year I'm always up from whatever time it is on to watch it and keep an eye on it. 'I do remember that [Shane Lowry win in 2019] and I might have to look back and see how the course was that week. I've played there a couple of times, but I think it might be playing a little differently during Open week. It's some golf course.' It's been a hugely busy year for Graham with play in the US college circuit through his maiden year at Texas Tech and he explained: 'Well, The Open week was meant to be my off week, so I don't think I am getting much rest now. 'But it is definitely good to have this to look forward to. 'I've definitely played in lots of big events and this is going to be the biggest of them all. But it's been a great first year for me in the US. I definitely thought it went well and it was very enjoyable. 'I had so much fun in my first year and I am definitely looking forward to getting back.' Graham is the second Scots amateur to make it to Portrush as Cameron Adam won through The Open Series with Bob MacIntyre and Daniel Young also in the field. He said: 'That was really good that he got in through the Order of Merit, which was unreal and I'm looking forward to being over there with him now.' Graham played alongside Lee Westwood during the regulation 36 holes at Dundonald, but there was little chit-chat as he said: 'I think he was focusing on what he was here to do, so I only spoke to him a little bit.'
Daily Record
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Junior players from across Lanarkshire had a ball at Wishaw Golf Club's tournament
Ramsay Purdon from East Kilbride won the Burgh Cup Scratch with a score of 76 Over 40 young golfers from all over Scotland swung into Wishaw Golf Club to take part in its Junior Open last weekend. Ramsay Purdon from East Kilbride won the Burgh Cup Scratch with a score of 76, Fraser Steven finished second. Congratulations were also in order for Zac Ross from Airdrie who won the Burgh Cup Handicap with a Net score of 64, runner up was Logan Ellison. Best Net, handicap 0 to 10, was Ellie McManus, while Cody Hands was best in the 10 to 34 handicap. Conditions were tough but everyone had a fantastic day of golf, with the event sponsored by CS Electrical Contractors. Ian Prentice, Junior Convener, said: 'Thanks to everyone who entered 'Any unclaimed prizes can be collected at Wishaw Pro Shop.' Jillian McFadyen, Sponsorship Team at Wishaw Golf Club added: 'It was a pleasure to be involved helping at this special tournament. It was very much a team effort. 'Well done to the players and the winners, and not forgetting Terry Fearon at The Kitchen at Wishaw Golf Club for feeding all the players; Gregor in Pro Shop; and everyone who came to help Ian.' This Friday, June 6, former footballers Frank McAvennie and John Brown will be playing a round of golf before they host a sold-out sportsman's dinner at Wishaw Golf Club. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
