Open Championship 2026: Robert McIntyre said exactly what he wanted in the first round

Bob McIntyre’s three-under 67 in the first round at the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale was “exactly” what he wanted.

The 29-year-old Scot had four birdies and a bogey in his first competitive round at Royal Birkdale.

McIntyre holed a 46-foot putt for birdie on the first and followed it up with another birdie on the second.

“It’s exactly what I wanted,” McIntyre told BBC Scotland. “That’s exactly the start I felt I needed entering golf tournaments.

“There’s not much I could have changed. Obviously, there were some putts that I hoped didn’t happen, but yeah, it was a tough start.

“The fairways and the greens. The greens are the priority. Obviously, the fairways — stay away from the bunkers. But I wasn’t worried about a quick start or anything.

“I hit a nice putt on the first, a nice second shot on the second, and then I thought I played really well from there.”

The par-70 Royal Birkdale features several par-four holes that were previously par fives.

“One of my pet hates is par fives changing to par fours,” McIntyre said. “I think there’s no way to hit the tee shot because it’s narrow for a par four.

“But yeah, like 18, I’ve played it as long as I can play it. Short it from the pot bunker to the left and then take a long shot, then try and be honest.

“Because I think bogeys don’t kill you — doubles. And the priority on certain holes is just to stay away from pot bunkers. The 13th is the same. Get yourself around the green, then tee off. I think I’m pretty good at it.”

The two-time European Ryder Cup player begins his second round at 12:25 BST on Friday.

“I probably won’t think about golf until I start driving here tomorrow,” he added.

“That’s one of the biggest things that helped me last week. Every time I think about golf.”

Earlier, McIntyre told BBC Radio 5 Live: “There’s a chance of a low score, but I wouldn’t worry about it.

“I’m right where I want to be.”