June 2, 2024, marked a historic moment in Scottish golf. Robert MacIntyre became the first Scotsman to win on the PGA Tour in decades. However, the most remarkable aspect wasn’t his final putt. Instead, it was the man carrying his bag. Dougie MacIntyre stood on the 18th green, tears streaming down his face. His hands carefully rolled up the pin flag as a keepsake. This wasn’t just any caddie. This was a father who dropped everything to help his son chase greatness.
Who exactly are the parents behind Scotland’s rising golf star? Their story reveals much more than a simple emergency caddie situation.
Who are Robert MacIntyre’s parents?
Dougie MacIntyre serves as head greenkeeper at Glencruitten Golf Club in Oban, Scotland. He’s worked there for more than 20 years. Additionally, he manages the course operations. The facility proudly describes itself as “fantastically maintained by Dougie MacIntyre and the greenkeeping team.”
Dougie played shinty at an elite level. He helped Oban Camanachd win the 1996 Camanachd Cup. Notably, he scored twice in the final against Kingussie. Currently, he manages Oban Celtic shinty club. This Highland tradition has been passed down to Robert, who still plays despite his golf success.
“I wanted to win this for my dad.”
Robert MacIntyre spoke to our @Amanda_Balionis on what it meant winning the @RBCCanadianOpen with his father on the bag. pic.twitter.com/aMeTEgDdEz
— Golf on CBS (@GolfonCBS) June 2, 2024
Carol MacIntyre has juggled multiple jobs throughout Robert’s career. At one point, she worked four jobs simultaneously. These included cleaning toilets at the Oban Bay Hotel & Spa. Currently, she still works approximately three jobs. Her dedication has been the financial backbone of the family.
Specific details about Dougie and Carol’s romantic history remain private. The family has never publicly shared their meeting story. What we know is that they built their relationship around shared Scottish Highland values. Both embrace community service through fostering.
The MacIntyre household extends beyond its three children. Dougie and Carol have fostered multiple children over the years. Their current foster children are Thomas, age 12, and Dan, age 5. They represent the second set of foster children the family has welcomed.
Robert has two older sisters named Gillian and Nicola MacIntyre. Both sisters pursued horse riding passionately. However, they sacrificed many of their activities to support Robert’s golf ambitions. Despite this, the bond between Robert and his family runs incredibly deep.
Robert MacIntyre’s relationship with his parents
Dougie taught Robert golf until he was 14 or 15. They practiced every summer evening, regardless of the weather.
“We used to go out every night in the summer, no matter the weather, we would play four holes every night,” Robert recalled.
The emergency caddie situation at the Canadian Open perfectly illustrates their relationship. Robert called his father on Saturday night. Dougie left his couch at 8 o’clock. By 8 o’clock the next morning, he was on a flight to Canada.
Golf analysts highlighted his struggles with finding the right caddie, noting that his father, Dougie, stepped in during his most challenging period on the PGA Tour.
“This is the guy who has taught me the game of golf, and I just can’t believe I have done this with him on the bag,” Robert said after his victory.

Carol’s influence shaped Robert’s character differently. She keeps him grounded whenever he returns home.
“My mum brings me back down to earth with a bang every time I go home,” he admits.
The family’s financial struggles created unbreakable bonds. They couldn’t afford junior tournaments. Carol worked multiple jobs while Dougie balanced greenkeeping with coaching duties. Robert promised to pay off their mortgage after his win at the Canadian Open. Today, Robert and his girlfriend Shannon Hartley have moved back to Oban from Orlando. The homesickness proved too strong. His parents’ influence continues to shape his decisions.
“If in doubt, phone dad,” remains his philosophy.
This Scottish family proves that success stems from sacrifice, love, and unwavering support. Their story continues to inspire golf fans worldwide.
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