Robert MacIntyre still hopeful of Ryder Cup place

Robert MacIntyre believes he is one big victory away from securing a spot in Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup team.

Speaking to bunkered.co.uk, MacIntyre insisted a win would almost certainly cement his place in the European side for the showdown in Rome this September.

The Scot, ranked 16th on the European points list, has made significant personnel changes in recent weeks in a bid to reignite his love for the game.

He has gone back to long-time coach David Burns and former caddie Greg Milne ahead of a crucial run of tournaments that is set to determine his Ryder Cup fate.

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Burns, who parted ways with MacIntyre a year ago after working with him since his amateur days, has returned to replace the English swing specialist Simon Shanks.

And Irish bagman Milne got the call up as MacIntyre also chose to split with his fellow Scot Mike Thomson after the duo spent almost three years together.

“It was a difficult decision but it’s my job and career and where I earn my money,” MacIntyre said as he geared up for the British Masters at The Belfry. “It’s a business decision and I left it nicely with them.

“I’ve just been trying to find the love for the game that I had when I was playing well. I want to enjoy myself again on the golf course.

“I’m just getting really annoyed with myself, whereas before I would just take the rough with the smooth and get on with it. I need a buzz again.

“I’m searching a little bit but I’m just trying to get back to working hard away from tournaments. I’ve not had a bad season and I could have won a couple of times this year.”

MacIntyre has slipped outside the top 100 in the world rankings and knows he must start contending on Sundays to have a serious shot at being selected as one of Donald’s six wildcard picks.

And Burns, who oversaw the man from Oban announcing himself on the global stage with a tie for sixth on his major debut in The Open at Royal Portrush four years ago, is ‘very confident’ the 26-year-old is close to reaching his best form.

“He’s only a couple rounds away from flying,” Burns said. “He’s not far away at all.”

Robert MacIntyre flushing it here on the range at The Belfry 👀 pic.twitter.com/qbhvLKpuMg

— bunkered (@BunkeredOnline) June 27, 2023

MacIntyre has made no secret of his ambition to wear blue and gold at Marco Simone this autumn as he aims to become only the second left-handed European to play in the biennial contest.

The timing of the split with coach and caddie was therefore sure to raise eyebrows ahead of the defining period in the season, but MacIntyre has not let his hopes of making his debut in the famous match dictate his thoughts.

Asked if the looming Ryder Cup had any impact on his decisions, he declared: “Nothing. If you’re looking at it, it probably looks a bit daft that I’ve done it now but it’s nothing to do with the Ryder Cup. It’s just about getting back to enjoying the game again.

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“As much as it’s a big goal, it’s not on my mind. I’m not waking up every day thinking about it. It’s a big goal but if it doesn’t happen I’ll have another shot in two years’ time. It would be massive if I got in the team but it’s not the be-all and end-all.”

He added: “I personally think, with the position I’m in, it takes one win at the right time and you’re almost a cert to be on the team. I’m not worried about it. If I play well at the right time, it will happen.”

MacIntyre is aiming for a strong finish at this week’s British Masters in Warwickshire, before teeing it up at the Made in Himmerland event in Denmark, the Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, and The Open at Royal Liverpool.

Ben Parsons joined bunkered as a Content Producer in 2023 and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.