MacIntyre hits back at critics after skipping Memorial Tournament

Robert MacIntyre secured his first PGA Tour title with a victory at the RBC Canadian Open. Following this achievement, MacIntyre chose to withdraw from the Memorial Tournament, opting to return home to Scotland before the upcoming US Open.

MacIntyre emphasized that his decision to skip the Memorial Tournament was driven by his ambitions and not by any disrespect towards the event’s host, Jack Nicklaus. His win in the RBC Canadian Open guaranteed his participation in one of the PGA Tour’s premier events, which boasts a $20 million prize fund and features 28 of the world’s top 30 golfers.

Having played six consecutive tournaments, MacIntyre decided to return to the UK for a brief respite before heading back to the US for the season’s third major championship. He acknowledged a miscount in his tournament appearances, noting that he had actually played six weeks in a row instead of five. Reflecting on this period, MacIntyre remarked, “It’s been a good six weeks. I had two top 10s, a top-15 finish at Myrtle Beach, and winning last week was a tremendous high.”

Anticipating the demands of playing the Memorial, the US Open, and the Travelers Championship in succession, MacIntyre decided against playing nine consecutive weeks. He explained that few players attempt such a grueling schedule, describing himself humorously as “the madman.” His decision to withdraw was about self-care rather than disrespect for Nicklaus’s event.

MacIntyre felt it was essential to take a break after a challenging stretch, despite the elevated status and significant prize fund of the Memorial Tournament. He argued that preparing properly for the US Open was a testament to his ambition, stating, “Does preparing right for the US Open not show ambition? It’s up to you.”

Following his victory, MacIntyre celebrated with his father, Dougie, who had stepped in as his caddie at short notice. MacIntyre expressed a desire to celebrate his win with his family rather than rushing back to compete. He shared, “I was never gonna have a proper party. I’m sure I might have a few drinks with my mates at the weekend, probably in the house.”

For MacIntyre, the victory was special not only because of the title but also because he achieved it with his father by his side. He reflected on the significance of spending time with loved ones, stating, “Yes, I play golf at the highest level. Yes, I’ve won a golf tournament that means so much to me and everyone around me, but let’s just get home, spend it and celebrate with the people that really matter in life.”

MacIntyre concluded by noting the outpouring of support his father received after the win, humorously mentioning, “I think he’s had more messages than I have probably!”