Robert MacIntyre’s Comeback: From Struggles to World Top 20 in Golf Rankings
Robert MacIntyre Reflects on His Golfing Journey in 2024
The top-ranked golfer in Scotland, Robert MacIntyre, recently talked candidly about the difficulties he had earlier in the year, saying that his game was “in a dark place” before making an incredible recovery. Since then, the 28-year-old has shot up to the top 20 in the world golf rankings, demonstrating his tenacity and fortitude on the greens.
After gaining his card on the DP World Tour 12 months prior, MacIntyre spent the majority of the year competing on the American PGA Tour. The 28-year-old claimed that part of the reason for his success turnaround was implementing some changes inside his squad.
He said to BBC Sport Scotland, “I was in a dark place with my game; it wasn’t a dark place personally.”
“I wasn’t having fun when I first stepped onto the golf field. I made some changes within my team and took away some valuable lessons.
“Thus far, so good. My goal is to have fun while on the course and not be too hard on myself. My goal is to make as many accurate shots as possible.”
According to MacIntyre, going from his Oban home to Florida, where he spent the first half of the year located, was an educational experience.
The world number sixteen, though, made the announcement earlier this summer that he will return to Oban as his base in 2025—a year he will approach with greater assurance.
This year has taught me a lot. I like the competitive aspect and the game of golf here in America, he continued, “but I’ve also learned that my game is good anywhere in the world.”
After arriving at the last minute by plane, MacIntyre’s year took a dramatic turn at the end of May when he won the Canadian Open with his father Dougie caddying for him.
Soon after, he made history at The Renaissance Club in East Lothian, Scotland, by winning the Scottish Open, being the first Scot to do it since Colin Montgomerie in 1999.
When he takes some time off at the end of the season, the left-hander says he will reflect on his achievements.
This year, I haven’t recapped anything very often. One week has followed another. I’m not very reflective during a week off. I simply head back home to spend time with the ones that truly count,” MacIntyre remarked.
“When I get off, I am excited for a four-week break. I’ll then sit down with the entire team and build on this amazing year with everyone around me.
“I got the one I wanted this season – the Scottish Open has always been a dream of mine and I managed to get it.”
MacIntyre has already earned spots in eight PGA Tour marquee events, which carry enormous prize money of about £15 million, and all four majors in 2025.
In addition, he plans to play on the European Ryder Cup squad, which will aim to win back the trophy that he assisted in taking back in Rome in 2023.
The Scotsman, whose next event is the Dunhill Links across Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, and St Andrews Old Course next month, is happy that he can customize his 2025 itinerary to his liking because of his global ranking.
“It looks busy but it looks like I can very much control my schedule,” he stated.
“I can actually arrange all of the world’s major events for the first time in my career. I have complete control over where we go, when we go, and how we get ready. It appears much better than it did the previous year.”