'Let it happen': Colin Montgomerie's advice to major-chasing Bob MacIntyre
Scot delighted to be hosting Staysure PGA Seniors for third year in a row at Trump International in Aberdeen
Colin Montgomerie has urged Bob MacIntyre to be “patient” in his bid to become a major winner, admitting he’d give the same advice to himself as an 18-year-old if he could turn back the clock.
The one thing missing from Montgomerie’s glittering CV at the end of his career on the main tours was a major, having finished either second or joint-second on five occasions in the game’s marquee events.
As Montgomerie did three separate times, MacIntyre finished runner-up in last year’s US Open at Oakmont, where American JJ Spaun pipped the Oban man after a birdie-birdie closing salvo.
That effort has given MacIntyre the belief that he can join Sandy Lyle and Paul Lawrie by becoming a major winner in the modern era, though, in the first of his four chances in 2026, the 29-year-old suffered a disappointing missed cut in the Masters last month.
Speaking before MacIntyre teed off in the first round of this week’s 108th PGA Championship at Aronimink near Philadelphia, Montgomerie was happy to offer some advice that he hopes will help his compatriot achieve his ultimate goal in the game.
“A little bit,” he replied to being asked by The Scotsman if he could relate to how the left-hander is now heading into the game’s biggest events with high expectations on the back of being in the world’s top 20.
“I think he’s got to be a little bit more patient and let it happen. After his fantastic performance at the US Open, where JJ Spaun had more chance of three-putting than he had of holing it from 60 feet, I think he’s forcing it a bit and trying a little bit too hard.
“As a result of that, I think that’s why he’s become a little bit unstuck. Just let it happen and it will be interesting to see what he does today as the first round of majors is important. You can only lose a major in a first round; you can’t win it. It is important that he gets in there and, once he’s in there, my god he’s a competitor.”
MacIntyre has frequently spoken about how he’s someone who wears his heart on his sleeve, as Montgomerie did when he was the dominant force in European golf, winning the Order of Merit seven years in a row and eight times in total.
“I was always wanting to win,” he added, smiling. “But, if I was talking to an 18-year-old Colin Montgomerie, I’d tell him to be more patient. I’d tell him to look long term rather than short term. I’d tell him to enjoy the walk as it’s a long, extended career.
“I’m speaking 45 years on from 18 years old and I would tell myself to be more patient and I’d tell Bob MacIntyre to be more patient and let it happen. He’s good enough. He’s proven that already. He just has to let it happen and he can putt. My god, he can putt and anybody who can putt as well as he has at times has a chance.”
Montgomerie was speaking at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeen, where he will be hosting the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship for a third year in a row from 6-9 August. Won last year by American Bo Van Pelt, the latest edition will be staged on the New Course at the Donald Trump-owned venue at Menie Estate.
“I’m delighted as it’s a real honour,” admitted Montgomerie, who turns 63 next month but has been buoyed by getting himself in the mix in the recent Regions Tradition, one of the over-50s’ majors.
“I am very humbled by the whole thing as it is fantastic to have your name associated with class, really. I am delighted to be the host and to show off this fantastic facility.”
The New Course opened last year and, though Montgomerie hit the opening shot on it, he enjoyed the chance to see a stunning section called the ‘Southern Dome’ for the first time on a flying visit to the Granite City after a 4.30am rise in London.
Staysure PGA Seniors set to be ‘great event’
Referring to that section, he said: “They might be the shorter par-4s on the course but, at the same time, there are potential double bogeys around every corner. I think it is going to be a great event again this year and a new challenge as well.
“We’ve got Henrik Stenson on board now on the Legends Tour, as well as Jamie Donaldson. Stephen Gallacher, too. There’s three Ryder Cup players and there’s potential with the LIV situation as it is with Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Graeme McDowell, as well as Luke Donald coming on board as well before too long.
“Suddenly, you’ve got a base of half a dozen to ten ex-Ryder Cup players that are still highly competitive and making the tour so much stronger than it was and I think that is a great thing.”
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