Robert MacIntyre is targeting the perfect revenge against Scottie Scheffler at the Masters, following a dramatic and frustrating battle between the two golfers at a previous major tournament. The Scotsman has openly admitted to wanting to "smash up my golf clubs" after letting a significant lead slip away to his upcoming Masters partner.
A Costly Collapse at the BMW Championship
Last August, at the BMW Championship, MacIntyre held a commanding four-shot lead over world number one Scottie Scheffler heading into the final day. However, the round quickly unravelled for the 29-year-old. He hit consecutive bogeys and managed only a single birdie, finishing the round three-over par. This allowed Scheffler to capitalise, sealing a remarkable comeback with an impressive chip-in at the 17th hole.
MacIntyre was understandably blunt in his post-round assessment. When asked what improvements he needed to make, his frustration was palpable. "Right now, not a clue," he stated. "Right now, I want to go and smash up my golf clubs, to be honest with you."
Analyzing the Final Round Meltdown
The Scotsman reflected on his perplexing performance, noting that Scheffler had repeatedly left the door open for him to secure victory. "I got off to an absolutely horrific start," MacIntyre explained. "I felt great going out today. I wasn't even expecting to be over par, to be honest. I was really expecting to go out there, foot down, and perform the way I have been the last couple of days."
He added, "My golf ball was going miles. I don't know why. I need to work that out. I feel I've hit good shots, and I've gone miles." Some wild tee shots further compounded his difficulties on that fateful final day.
The Stage is Set for Augusta
MacIntyre will now seek to channel that frustration into a positive performance at the Masters. His bid for a first Green Jacket begins at 6:44 pm BST on Thursday, where he has been paired with none other than Scottie Scheffler and Houston Open winner Gary Woodland.
Woodland brings his own compelling narrative to the group, having recently opened up about his PTSD diagnosis following brain surgery. He will be hoping to carry the momentum from his first major win since the 2019 U.S. Open into the hallowed grounds of Augusta National.
A Star-Studded Field and Notable Absences
The trio of MacIntyre, Scheffler, and Woodland is one of the final groups to tee off on Thursday. Earlier in the day, the course will see heavy-hitters like defending champion Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Justin Rose, and Jordan Spieth begin their campaigns.
However, two legendary figures will be absent from Augusta this weekend. Phil Mickelson has announced he is taking "an extended period" away from golf due to a family health matter. Meanwhile, Tiger Woods has confirmed plans to focus on his health and "seek treatment" following a car accident. The 50-year-old has since been charged with driving under the influence and, through his lawyers, has entered a not guilty plea.
All eyes will now be on the first tee as Robert MacIntyre looks to bury the ghosts of the BMW Championship and enact his long-awaited revenge against Scottie Scheffler on golf's grandest stage.
