The RBC Canadian Open 2024 wasn't just another stop on the PGA Tour schedule. It felt different. Usually, these events are business-like, clinical affairs where players move with robotic precision and caddies crunch numbers like actuaries. But at Hamilton Golf & Country Club, things got weirdly personal, and honestly, that’s why we’re still talking about it.
People think it was just about a guy from Scotland winning a trophy. It wasn't. It was about a desperate phone call, a "grass-cutter" from Oban, and a left-handed golfer who was basically ready to pack his bags and go home before the week even started.
The SOS Call That Changed Everything
Robert MacIntyre was struggling. Like, really struggling. He’d moved to Florida to chase the American dream, but he was miserably homesick and his game was in the absolute bin. After missing another cut in Texas, he did what any of us would do when things go south: he called his dad.
But he didn't just call to vent. He asked his father, Dougie, to fly across the Atlantic and carry his bag. Dougie isn't a professional caddie. He's a greenkeeper at Glencruitten Golf Club. He literally cuts grass for a living.
The logistics were a mess. Dougie got the call at 8:00 PM on a Saturday. By 8:00 AM Sunday, he was on a flight to Canada. He even had to make a pit stop in Ottawa just to get a last-minute visa. It was the definition of "flying by the seat of your pants."
Why Hamilton Golf & Country Club Was the Perfect Stage
The RBC Canadian Open 2024 returned to Hamilton for the first time since 2019, and the course had undergone a massive renovation. They ripped out thousands of trees and reworked the greens. It played firm, fast, and punishing.
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If you weren't accurate, the course ate you alive.
The Leaderboard Drama
MacIntyre opened with a 64. He followed it up with 66 and another 66. By the time Sunday rolled around, he had a four-shot lead. Easy win, right? Wrong.
Golf is never that simple. Ben Griffin, an American who’s had his own "I almost quit golf" story, started charging. Then you had Victor Perez and some guy named Rory McIlroy lurking. McIlroy shot a 64 on Sunday, which is terrifying for anyone holding a lead.
MacIntyre’s lead evaporated. At one point, it was down to a single stroke.
The Turning Point
On the 15th hole, MacIntyre hit a massive birdie putt. Most players would have fist-pumped or screamed. He just put his head down. He later said he could see his dad getting "edgy" on the bag. Imagine that—the pro golfer having to keep the caddie calm while playing for $1.6 million.
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The "Rink" and the Canadian Vibe
You can't talk about the RBC Canadian Open 2024 without mentioning "The Rink." It’s the 14th hole, and it’s basically a hockey game disguised as a golf hole.
There are hockey boards, fans screaming "Olé," and volunteers dressed as referees. MacIntyre loved it. He’s a lefty, and Canadians have a weirdly deep love for left-handed golfers (thanks, Mike Weir). He said the support made him feel like he was back in Scotland, not thousands of miles away in Ontario.
The Results: By the Numbers
Honestly, the stats from that week are kind of wild. MacIntyre didn't win because he hit the ball the furthest. He won because his putter was possessed.
- Winning Score: 16-under par (264 total).
- The Margin: 1 shot over Ben Griffin.
- Putting Stats: MacIntyre ranked 1st in Strokes Gained: Putting. He gained over 11 strokes on the field just on the greens.
- The Payday: A cool $1,692,000.
But the money wasn't the point. When that final putt dropped, MacIntyre didn't look for a camera. He looked for his dad. They hugged, they cried, and the "grass-cutter" from Oban became the most famous caddie in the world for 24 hours.
What This Win Actually Meant
Winning the RBC Canadian Open 2024 changed MacIntyre's life. Before this, he was grinding just to keep his card. After?
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- He got into the U.S. Open at Pinehurst.
- He secured spots in the "Signature Events" like the Memorial.
- He jumped into the top 40 of the Official World Golf Ranking.
- Most importantly, it gave him the confidence to win his home open—the Genesis Scottish Open—just a few weeks later.
Expert Take: What Most Fans Missed
A lot of people think MacIntyre won because he had "no pressure" with his dad on the bag. That’s a nice narrative, but it’s probably wrong. If anything, the pressure was higher. You don't want to fail in front of your old man after he flew 3,000 miles to help you.
The real secret? Dougie kept it simple. Professional caddies often over-complicate things with "wind vectors" and "percentile lies." Dougie just gave him a number and told him to hit a good shot. Sometimes, golf is just that basic.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Golf Trip
If watching the RBC Canadian Open 2024 made you want to book a trip to Ontario, here’s how to do it right:
- Play the Public Gems: You can't just walk onto Hamilton Golf & Country Club (it's very private), but you can play TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, which is hosting the 2025 Open.
- The "Lefty" Advantage: If you’re a left-handed golfer, prepare for the best hospitality of your life. Canadians will treat you like royalty.
- Timing is Everything: If you want the tournament experience, the Open usually hits in late May or early June. The weather is perfect—not too hot, and the courses are emerald green.
The 2024 edition of Canada’s national open proved that golf still has a soul. It wasn't about the LIV vs. PGA drama or the massive purses. It was about a father, a son, and a very loud hockey-themed golf hole.
Your next move? Go grab a sleeve of balls and head to the range. If a guy can win a PGA Tour event with his dad carrying the bag, you can definitely fix that slice before your next Saturday morning tee time.