Bob MacIntyre Reaches 4 Under at The Open, Passing Alex Fitzpatrick in Round 3

Q: Can Bob MacIntyre's strong start overcome his recent struggles in major championships?

Yes. MacIntyre’s start at Royal Birkdale suggests he has a real chance to move past his recent major setbacks, though sustaining it over four rounds remains the test. The immediate evidence is strong. He opened with a 67 and then moved to four under with a birdie at the second, showing the control and composure that were missing during missed cuts at the Masters and PGA Championship. His game also fits this stage: he ranks highly this season in both Strokes Gained off the tee and putting, and his links pedigree is well established. He was sixth at the 2019 Open, has multiple strong Open finishes, and arrives after a tie for third at the Genesis Scottish Open. There is also a broader case that his major struggles were temporary rather than structural. MacIntyre’s 2025 season showed he could contend at the highest level, including runner-up at the U.S. Open, while his approach play had improved significantly. Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has pointed to off-course adjustment after the birth of MacIntyre’s first child as a factor in this year’s uneven major results, rather than a deeper flaw in his game. That said, one fast start does not erase the inconsistency. His iron play had been questioned earlier this year, and he missed two major cuts before this week. But if he keeps driving it well, leans on his putting, and sticks to the disciplined links strategy he has outlined, this is the kind of start that can turn recent frustration into a genuine major challenge.

Q: A rising star versus a struggling pro: who will crack first under Open Championship pressure?

Bob MacIntyre looks less likely to crack than Alex Fitzpatrick right now. The immediate evidence from Royal Birkdale favors MacIntyre. He responded to pressure with a birdie at the second to reach four under, while Fitzpatrick gave a shot back on the same hole after missing a short three-foot par putt. In a major, those small moments are often the clearest signs of who is settling in and who is tightening up. MacIntyre also has the stronger pressure résumé. He is a Ryder Cup player, a two-time PGA Tour winner, and has already contended in majors, including runner-up at the 2025 U.S. Open and a top-six Open finish at Portrush. His game profile suits this test: strong off the tee, strong on the greens, and widely regarded as inventive in links conditions. Even with some uneven results this season, much of that dip has been linked to adjusting to life after the birth of his first child rather than a collapse in belief or ability. Fitzpatrick is rising fast and has had an excellent 2026, with wins in India and at the Zurich Classic, plus strong approach numbers. But he is still less proven in this kind of major-championship spotlight. There is also recent evidence of vulnerability when in contention, notably his late stumble at the Truist Championship after leading through 54 holes. So if the question is who is more likely to crack under Open pressure, the answer at this stage is Fitzpatrick. MacIntyre, for now, is showing the steadier nerve.

3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 18

Bob MacIntyre moved back to 4 under in The Open third round, overtaking Alex Fitzpatrick on the leaderboard.
A precise approach at the second left MacIntyre about 12 feet for birdie, and he converted after missing a similar-length par putt there earlier.
Alex Fitzpatrick slipped behind when he missed a 3-foot par putt, opening the door for MacIntyre to move ahead.