Robert MacIntyre with hilarious response to all-time lucky break at Scottish Open

Robert MacIntyre has defended the controversial drop he received en route to claiming the Scottish Open one year after Rory McIlroy broke his heart. 

MacIntyre began the final round at The Renaissance Club two strokes adrift of 54-hole leader Ludvig Aberg. 

Despite fighting his way back into contention, he looked as though he spurned a glorious chance for an emotional victory after hitting a wayward tee shot at the 16th hole. 

The Scot was in a world of trouble on the par-five hole.

From the knee-high fescue, he took a wild hack at his golf ball to try and advance it down the fairway. 

After his ball failed to move, he then he realised he was standing on a sprinkler head and was allowed by a rules official to take a free drop. 

MacIntyre then hit an outrageous shot and converted an eagle putt to draw level with Adam Scott. 

Then he birdied the final hole and was reduced to tears as he claimed his home open. 

MacIntyre's heart was broken 12 months ago after McIlroy birdied the final hole.

"I got a bit of luck on 16 that you need to win golf tournaments," said the Scot.

"I was shouting and swearing going up to the ball because I know it's my one chance to really make birdie coming in.

"You use the rules to your advantage and I got lucky. It was meant to be."

MacIntyre said there might still be some alcohol in his system when he pitches up to The Open next week. 

He added: "I'm going to celebrate this with my family, friends, and everyone here.

"I'm going to celebrate this one hard. 

"We'll pitch up to The Open when we pitch up to The Open."

MacIntyre is the first home winner of the Scottish Open since Colin Montgomerie 25 years ago.

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