Last week, Robert MacIntyre’s career reached new heights when he won the Canadian Open and made it apparent how much Rory McIlroy has influenced his development and his adjustment to life on the PGA Tour.
Following Rory McIlroy’s classy and heartfelt message at the Canadian Open, Bob MacIntyre has made it clear how he feels about the Northern Irishman.
At Hamilton Golf and Country Club last week, McIlroy was pursuing overnight leader MacIntyre. However, after losing to the Scotsman, who was getting close to his first PGA Tour victory, the four-time major champion had some nice things to say about the man.
After finishing last season on the DP World Tour, McIntyre has been transparent about the difficulties he had adjusting to life in America and on the PGA Tour. “I fully comprehend,” McIlroy said to CBS. “It’s a major cultural shock compared to Oban, where he was raised.
“You know, exploring America is like visiting a whole other planet. A few individuals adjust more quickly than others. Everyone must make an effort to discover their own rhythm. Bob still seems to be working that out. It would be fantastic to watch him persevere and win on the PGA Tour.”
Maintaining his composure, McIntyre defeated Ben Griffin with a single stroke, outlasting the pursuing group. The 27-year-old also acknowledged the influence McIlroy has had on his career, citing his inspiration as a child, friendship, and Ryder Cup teammate.
MacIntyre stated, “He’s someone I’ve looked up to for years.” “I was obviously watching him win majors, PGA Tour events, and European Tour events when I was still an amateur.
“He was and continues to be amazing. He is among the greatest of our generation, if not the greatest. He seems like someone I could talk to on the phone, and he’s willing to help and is honest and upfront with me. He’s also just been a really nice guy overall, so I just treat him like a friend rather than a coworker or something similar. He is the same as everyone else that I simply try to treat the same way.
Before they went out on Sunday at the Zurich [Classic of New Orleans], I had a seat with him and Shane [Lowry]. And they would both merely inquire about how I was adjusting to life in Orlando; we are forthright and truthful about it. He just seems to connect with me and asks me questions about life instead of golf.”
In order to spend more time at home with his family and getting ready for the US Open, which begins at Pinehurst No. 2 on Thursday, MacIntyre made the decision to forego playing in this week’s Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village. He didn’t alter his strategy in North Carolina even though he was coming off of his first PGA Tour victory going into the competition.
“I try to treat it as another golf tournament, even though it’s a major and a huge event,” he remarked. “It goes without saying that I have been putting a lot of effort into improving my fundamental skills and trying to let the game work itself out rather than trying to win golf tournaments.
“[I] try to do everything within my power to help me win golf tournaments, which is what I accomplished last week. My goal for the upcoming week is to play golf and try to position myself for success on Sunday. Where the cards fall is a mystery.
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