PGA Tour: Robert MacIntyre's Frustration Over Putter Break and Attitude
Scotland's Robert MacIntyre had a strong performance at the PGA Tour's season-opening Sony Open in Hawaii, carding a best-of-the-day 63 to finish in a share of fourth place. However, his journey to the top was not without challenges. MacIntyre, aiming for his third career PGA Tour victory, faced a setback when he broke his putter after missing a three-foot putt on the 18th green on Friday afternoon at Waialae Country Club.
This incident, according to MacIntyre, was a result of his own attitude. He told the Golf Channel, "My attitude cost me this golf tournament, and I can't allow that. You have to be in the right position at the right time to finish off a round like today."
MacIntyre's frustration highlights the importance of maintaining a positive mindset throughout the tournament. He made five birdies in a fast-paced 30 on the back nine in Honolulu and further improved his score with birdies at the 15th and 18th holes, finishing 12 under par for the week after a bogey-free final round.
Despite the setback, MacIntyre's performance was impressive, and he remains a strong contender in the world of professional golf. The 29-year-old moved up one place to sixth in the world rankings, finishing four strokes behind the home winner, Chris Gotterup, and ahead of another American, JJ Spaun.
The tournament also saw Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, who finished joint third at the Dubai Invitational, maintaining his position as the top British player in the world rankings, currently sitting second behind Scottie Scheffler of the United States and one ahead of England's Tommy Fleetwood.
MacIntyre's story serves as a reminder that attitude and focus are crucial in golf, especially when pursuing a championship title. As he reflects, "Attitude has got to be right for 72 holes, not just 36."
In other news, Gotterup's closing 64 secured him a two-stroke lead over Ryan Gerard, with Patrick Rodgers, another American, one stroke further back. England's Harry Hall shared sixth place after a 69-stroke performance.
