MacIntyre vs. Drones
Robert MacIntyre's Drone Feud Reignites at Open Championship Despite Strong Three-Under 67
Anonymous
Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre shot a three-under 67 at the Open Championship — but a buzzing drone nearly derailed his round before it even started. Edmonton Sun reported that a drone distracted MacIntyre on the first tee just as he was being announced, visibly annoying the 28-year-old.
MacIntyre called the aerial devices "pesky," making clear his frustration with drones following him to yet another major stage. Vancouver Sun noted this is far from the first time the Scottish golfer has clashed with drone technology at tournaments.
A Drone Interrupts MacIntyre on the First Tee
The incident happened right at the start of MacIntyre's round at Royal Birkdale. As he was announced on the first tee, a drone buzzed nearby and broke his concentration. Pincher Creek Echo reported MacIntyre was clearly annoyed by the distraction. Despite it, he went on to shoot a solid 67.
MacIntyre did not hide his feelings afterward. He labeled the drones "pesky" and made it clear they have no place near players who are trying to focus. Owensound Sun Times noted he was asked directly about the distraction during his post-round press session.
MacIntyre's Drone Feud Dates Back to Canada
This is not a new grudge. London Free Press reported that MacIntyre's feud with drones began at the RBC Canadian Open in 2024 at Hamilton Golf and Country Club. That was the tournament where he claimed his first PGA Tour win, but drones were a source of irritation even then.
The back story adds an edge to his Royal Birkdale complaints. MacIntyre is not simply grumpy — he has dealt with this problem across multiple events and multiple countries. Toronto Sun noted the issue has followed him from Canada all the way to England's northwest coast.
A 67 Despite the Distraction Shows Mental Toughness
Whatever frustration MacIntyre felt, it did not show up on his scorecard. A three-under 67 is a strong round at any Open Championship venue. Royal Birkdale is one of the toughest links courses in Britain, with thick rough and unpredictable wind off the Irish Sea.
The Province reported that MacIntyre was asked about the drone incident specifically because his irritation was so visible. The fact that he still carded a 67 suggests he managed to shake it off once the round got underway. It also gave him plenty to say afterward.
Drones at Golf Tournaments Spark Wider Debate
Drones are now common at major sports events. Broadcasters and sponsors use them for aerial footage. But players standing on the tee hear them clearly. Ottawa Sun reported that MacIntyre's complaints highlight a growing tension between modern media technology and athletes' need for silence and focus.
MacIntyre is not alone in finding them disruptive. His repeated run-ins with drones — from Canada to the Open — suggest golf's governing bodies may need clearer rules about when and where drones can fly near players. For now, the "pesky" machines keep showing up, and MacIntyre keeps noticing.
Sentiment
NeutralNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
16
Articles
15
Reach
16
Topics
A
AnonymousAuthor