Robert MacIntyre has issued his verdict on playing alongside Phil Mickelson, with the two left-handers paired together for the final round of The Open Championship.
It was a disappointing week for Robert MacIntyre who arrived at Royal Troon off the back of winning the Scottish Open in dramatic fashion at The Renaissance Club. Unfortunately for the 27-year-old, he went into the final round with little chance of bringing himself back into contention.
MacIntyre had been looking to become the first player since Phil Mickelson to win follow victory at the Scottish Open with a win at The Open Championship. But it does appear that his time in South Ayrshire did end on a high.
MacIntyre was paired with Mickelson ahead of the final round, with MacIntyre expressing his excitement about playing alongside Mickelson, with the LIV Golf star proving to be the Scot’s childhood hero.
Robert MacIntyre reacts after playing alongside Phil Mickelson
They were unable to really inspire each other, with MacIntyre shooting a 74 and the six-time major champion going two shots worse. But clearly, the experience meant a lot to the European.
Speaking to Sky Sports (broadcast on 21/7; 14:19), MacIntyre suggested that the opportunity very much lived up to expectations.
“No, it was great. I’ve never played with Phil or Tiger, and when I saw the draw was maybe happening, it was going to be cool. He’s a guy that, other than my dad, I shaped my golf game around the way he plays, just shape the ball and give it everything you’ve got. That’s simply the way I play golf, and it’s all been down to watching Phil Mickelson play the game,” he said.
“He was lovely. To be honest, I didn’t expect anything else, great company, and it was good just to chat to someone you’ve looked up to and respected for a long time.”
Reasons for real encouragement ahead of 2025
MacIntyre spoke of being disappointed with his performance during the week, but it was clear that winning the Scottish Open took a lot out of him in a season which has been turbulent to say the least.
He took some time to get going on the PGA Tour, missing a number of cuts earlier in the year, but he went on to win the Canadian Open – and has now made it two big victories for the season.
The next stage is contending more often in the major championships, but he clearly has the game to compete in the biggest events – and that will give him a lot of belief heading into 2025.
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