Robert MacIntyre explains withdrawal from Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial Tournament

Robert MacIntyre defends his decision to withdraw from the Memorial Tournament, emphasizing that it reflects his ambition rather than disrespect towards the event’s host, Jack Nicklaus.

MacIntyre secured his place in one of the PGA Tour’s signature events with his victory in the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday, which features a prize fund of $20 million (€18.4m). Despite this, after competing in six consecutive tournaments and with the US Open approaching next week, MacIntyre chose to return to Scotland for a brief break before heading back for the third major championship of the year.

Reflecting on his recent schedule, MacIntyre said, “I miscounted my tournaments when I did the press conference last week. That was actually week six, not five. It’s been a good six weeks with two top 10s, a top 15 at Myrtle Beach, and winning last week. The mental strain of that six-week stretch was significant, and the win last week was an even bigger high.”

He explained that playing the Memorial, the US Open, and the Travelers Championship would have meant nine consecutive weeks of competition. “Not many players do that, except probably me the madman,” he noted.

MacIntyre emphasized that his decision was not meant as a slight to Nicklaus’s event. “This was about what was right for me. The fifth week in a row at Colonial felt like too much after nearly winning at Myrtle Beach and having an outside chance at the US PGA. There was a lot happening, and taking a week off seemed like the right choice. It could have been any event. Yes, it’s an elevated event with a $20 million prize fund, but preparing properly for the US Open shows ambition. It’s up to you to decide.”