Rory McIlroy came up short of winning the Canadian Open this weekend but had some kind words for winner Robert MacIntyre.
The European duo were a key part of the Ryder Cup winning team in Rome last year.
Of course, their careers as individuals are wide apart right now, with McIlroy one of the most decorated players in the game and MacIntyre winning his very first PGA Tour event at the weekend.
MacIntyre has admitted this week that he’s perhaps struggled to adapt to life over in America since making the move from DP World Tour to the USA.
And speaking about that subject, McIlroy has said he sees exactly where the Scot is coming from with those comments.
Rory McIlroy says he understands exactly what Robert MacIntyre means with homesick comments
Speaking in his flash interview as MacIntyre was still out playing, McIlroy was asked to reflect on his move to America when he was younger and admitted he has sympathy for the Scot.
“Absolutely. You know me and Bob are separated by a body of water with the Irish Sea in terms of where we grew up in Oban and Belfast. So I can absolutely understand,” McIlroy said.
“It’s a big culture shock compared to the place he grew up in Oban. You know, travelling around America it’s a different world and some people adapt a little more quickly than others and everyone has to try and find their right rhythm.
“It looks like Bob’s still figuring that out but it would be great to see him hang on and get his first PGA Tour win.”
Part of the game if MacIntyre is going to be a superstar
- READ MORE: Robert MacIntyre shares the question Rory McIlroy was asking him in private chat back in April
In all honesty, Robert MacIntyre could retire now and set for life really. He picked up just shy of $2m this weekend and has earned a pretty penny so far in his career.
However, that won’t be happening and the Scot, now he’s had the taste of success, will surely want more of that.
For MacIntyre, who secured a PGA Tour card until 2027 with his win last night, there’s a long road ahead now and one he simply has to adjust to really.
At the end of the day, it’s part of being a PGA Tour player and MacIntyre will need to keep adjusting, keep a good team around him, and continue to learn and improve.
The sky is the limit really and just 27, he has so much potential to go on and win more and more.
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