After withdrawing from The Memorial Tournament, Robert MacIntyre faced criticism from some quarters, but the Canadian Open champion responded firmly, setting his sights on the US Open.
Robert McIntyre, the recent winner of the PGA Tour, has responded to those who have criticized him for missing this week’s Memorial Tournament.
One of the most prestigious tournaments on the PGA Tour, the Memorial is hosted by eighteen-time major champion Jack Nicklaus and features a $20 million (£15.7 million) purse. It is held at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio. After winning the RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club on Sunday and holding off the field of competitors, MacIntyre earned a spot in the tournament. This was his first victory on the PGA Tour.
With his father, Dougie, filling in as his backup caddie, the Scotsman achieved his first-ever victory in North America during an emotional week. After six weeks of action-packed competition, the victory was a deeply satisfying culmination, and MacIntyre made the decision to celebrate with friends and family by returning home to Oban and Glencruitten Golf Club.
However, the 27-year-old received some backlash after withdrawing from The Memorial, which gets underway on Thursday and features Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy as the bookies’ favorites. This criticism was especially directed towards social media. But MacIntyre is happy with his choice, opting to concentrate on the US Open at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina the following week.
“When I was doing the press conference last week, I counted the tournaments that I had participated in there. In actuality, that was week six. And a good six weeks have passed. Naturally, I ran into two top 10s at Myrtle Beach when I had the opportunity.
“That six-week stretch was mentally taxing, and winning last week was undoubtedly an even greater high. Nine weeks in a row if I played Memorial, US Open, and Travelers. Most players don’t play for nine weeks straight, well, maybe me, the lunatic.
“Yet, despite everything going on, there was no regard for Jack Nicklaus’ event or for pulling out. This was all about doing what felt right for me, and after having an outside shot at the PGA and a chance to win at Myrtle Beach, I felt that Colonial was going too far for the fifth straight week.
“And then, naturally, with my dad on the bag, there was a lot going on. My team and I decided it was the appropriate thing to take a week off and step back.
“Anything could have happened. Sure, I understand that it’s a prestigious tournament worth $20 million or so, but isn’t it an indication of ambition to train well for the US Open? You have the final say.”
After making his last putt in Hamilton, MacIntyre has had a hectic few days; he returned to Scotland on Tuesday. He hasn’t had the opportunity to sit down and remember with his father the things they’ve accomplished together, but on Wednesday the MacIntyre family is planning a special evening.
The leftist remarked, “We had family-related things to do.” “After we got off the plane and everything, I probably spent an hour or so with the young foster boy that my parents look after. We haven’t really talked about it because I had things to do, but I’m sure we’ll have a family dinner at my parents’ tonight.
There, the entire crew will be present. This time, we’ll just sit and not cry. Many of the stories will be from our early years.
“Everyone around me, including my parents and two sisters, has made a great deal of sacrifice. Many sacrifices have been made, and this is a unique one where my dad can put his caddying bib away for the time being and we can all just enjoy it.”
