Bob MacIntyre overcomes drone annoyance for first PGA Tour win

Scottish golfer Bob MacIntyre’s triumph at the RB Canadian Open has solidified his position on the PGA Tour until 2026, granting him entry into prestigious tournaments like the Memorial tournament and next week’s US Open at Pinehurst. However, amidst his stellar performance, MacIntyre faced a formidable adversary in the form of drones. The constant buzzing of these aerial devices proved to be a significant nuisance throughout his journey to victory.

Expressing his frustration, MacIntyre candidly remarked, “If it didn’t go away, I was going to start throwing my clubs at it. That’s how annoyed I was.” The persistent presence of the drone disrupted his focus, resembling a bothersome wasp that refused to retreat. Despite making repeated requests for the drone to relocate, it continued to hover dangerously close, testing MacIntyre’s patience and concentration.

The interference reached a tipping point when MacIntyre found it necessary to enlist the assistance of a rules official to address the situation. Describing the ordeal, he explained, “I told her, ‘the drone is annoying me, the drone’s putting me off, it’s too close’.” For MacIntyre, the distraction posed by the drone threatened to derail his performance on the course, highlighting the disruptive impact of modern technology in traditional sporting events.

Reflecting on the incident, MacIntyre emphasized the importance of maintaining focus amidst external distractions. “I had a job to do … I was focused and that drone was doing my head,” he remarked. Despite the challenges posed by unforeseen obstacles, MacIntyre’s resilience and determination ultimately secured his victory, underscoring his status as a rising star in the world of professional golf.