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This wasn’t in the script.

Scotland’s top-ranked male golfer, returning to his home event in front of a full house for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic turned the world on its head.

It was meant to be the first opportunity for a full-strength home faithful to celebrate Robert MacIntyre firmly establishing himself among the game’s elite.

But 36 holes later, the story could not be more different. A missed cut at the Renaissance Club means MacIntyre is on his way home.

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Struggles on the greens hampered his efforts. Errors compounded errors, notably the wayward drive followed by an even more wayward second on 18. The rough end of the draw meant Oban’s finest was dealt the toughest of the conditions while others sailed through both rounds in flat calm conditions.

However, though misfortune played its part, MacIntyre knows it could have been different.

“Right now I am absolutely livid with the way it went,” he admitted after carding a second round of two-over.

“I’ve been in this situation plenty of times. I hate missing cuts but it’s golf. It’s hyped up a bit more because it’s at home but at the end of the day it’s another missed cut.

“I didn’t hit many wides but yesterday was absolutely brutal. I don’t know what the scoring averages were but the second wave were absolutely done.”

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MacIntyre was paired with defending champion Min Woo Lee, another who is heading back through Renaissance Club’s wrought-iron gates two days early, and Xander Schauffele.

“Xander is brilliant,” MacIntyre said.

“Me, Mike [Thomson, his caddie], Min Woo and his caddie spoke about it – nothing fazes him, whether it’s good or bad. It fazes me, it doesn’t faze him. That’s the difference between me and the top boys.

“I feel like I’m getting beaten up all the time, but if my worst season on tour is this year, I’m sure I’m in for a good career.”

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