When Andy Robertson and Bob MacIntyre first met in Dubai, mutual respect was palpable between the two of Scotland’s most well-known athletes at the moment.
The Burns Day get-together took place at the back of the practice area at Emirates Golf Club after the pair had played in the first of two pro-ams ahead of this week’s Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic.
Liverpool left-back Robertson may have been in the same group as his countryman on the Majlis Course if he had not committed to a day on the golf course so late during a mid-winter break in the Premier League in England.
Instead, he teamed up with two of his Anfield teammates, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, along with former Masters winner Charl Schwartzel.
Robertson told The Scotsman, “It’s not normal to get an opportunity like this, especially the international players as we are normally busy during any breaks.”
It’s enjoyable to observe how professionals do their business and how golf is supposed to be played when you visit a course. I enjoyed my round this morning and had a good one.
Robertson began his golfing career at Glasgow’s Cathcart Castle, which he joined before turning ten. Like two other legendary Liverpool players, Alan Hansen and Kenny Dalglish, he tries to play whenever he gets the chance.
“I always try to enjoy myself and have a good time when I go out, and Charl and I had a great time this morning,” he continued. “Considering how hard I know this sport is, it was amazing to see how easy he makes it look.”
“My hobby is definitely golf. I take pleasure in it. It allows me to take a break from football and forget about everything that occurs on the field. I can kind of shut out during very intense football games, and this was one of those days.
“I adore this sport; it’s fantastic. I was attempting to learn a few things from Charl because of this, but to be honest, I’m not sure I’ll be able to duplicate too much of it.
“I tried to put a little more pressure on myself when I was hitting golf shots when I was younger, and I loved my time at Cathcart Castle, incidentally, but now I just try to accept the bad ones and also the good ones.”
There was no hiding the fact that Robertson reciprocated MacIntyre’s immense excitement at meeting the captain of his country’s national squad.
Regarding the golfer from Oban, he stated, “He’s an incredible young talent.” “Over the past several years, he has performed at the highest level, and I firmly believe he will win some major events.
“As a lefty, I’ve watched him on TV a few times, particularly in The Masters, and I know how much he’s enjoying it. He’s amazing to watch.”
“He’s just continuing the tradition of talented young Scottish golfers that we have.” I would really like it if he could win one of the major ones.
Once again trading in his golf ball for a football, Robertson—who has already assisted Liverpool in winning the Premier League and the Champions League—is in store for an eventful stint with both club and country.
“Taking a mid-season break can be challenging,” he remarked. You can entirely unplug in the summer and refocus and energize yourself. But for now, football is still on my mind.
“Having this week off and being able to spend it with my family and unwind a little is good. However, we are returning to a busy football era.
It’s going to be an extremely busy time for me because the Champions League will begin, along with the Carabao Cup Final, the league, and Scotland games.
“Therefore, it’s critical to make the most of this week while maintaining a high level of focus, fitness, and attention to detail. After all, the final three or four months of the season can be incredibly thrilling for both the club and the nation.”