It means so much to be playing at the Old Course with my old man

Bob's delighted to reward dad Dougie for shaping his career with slot at the Dunhill Links

- JIM BLACK

BOB MacINTYRE reckons it’s payback time this week at the Dunhill Links Championship after highlighting the part his dad Dougie has played in his rise to the top.

Four months ago the Oban ace registered a PGA Tour breakthrough win at the Canadian Open with his old man on the bag.

Now the pair are joining forces in the team event at the £3.5million event as a thank you for Dougie’s unwavering support.

Dougie, a top shinty player in his day, is taking a break from his job as greenkeeper at Glencruitten Golf Club to make his debut as a Dunhill contestant after caddying for his son when he played it as an amateur.

And MacIntyre said: “This event is special to our family.

“My dad’s nervous but we played 10 holes on the Old Course the other day and he was absolutely brilliant.

“I think he’s going to enjoy it more inside the ropes than outside watching. He’s nervous on the first tee but I still feel that. Hopefully then he just kicks on.