‘My game was in a dark place – I wasn’t enjoying it’
Robert MacIntyre’s Remarkable Golf Comeback: From a “Dark Place” to World Top 20
Robert MacIntyre has candidly admitted that his golf game was “in a dark place” earlier this year before making a dramatic turnaround that saw him break into the top 20 of the world rankings.
The 28-year-old Scottish golfer spent much of the year on the PGA Tour in America after earning his card from impressive performances on the DP World Tour. Key changes within his team played a major role in his resurgence.
“It wasn’t a dark place personally, but my game was struggling,” MacIntyre shared with BBC Sport Scotland. “I wasn’t enjoying my time on the course. After learning from a few things, I made some adjustments within my team, and it’s been working so far.”
A Learning Experience in America
MacIntyre spent the first half of the year based in Florida, far from his home in Oban, Scotland. While he enjoyed the competitive nature of golf in America, he gained valuable lessons about his game’s ability to perform on a global stage.
“My golf game can hold up anywhere in the world,” said MacIntyre, who currently ranks 16th in the world. “Competing against the best in the world is tough, but that’s what I’m doing.”
Turning Point at the Canadian Open
The turning point of MacIntyre’s year came in May when he claimed victory at the Canadian Open, with his father Dougie caddying for him. He followed this up with a historic win at the Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, becoming the first Scotsman to win the event since Colin Montgomerie in 1999.
Despite his success, MacIntyre hasn’t taken much time to reflect on his achievements, saying, “I haven’t done much recap this year. It’s been week after week. When I take time off, I spend it with the people who matter most.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
MacIntyre’s stellar year has already secured him spots in all four majors in 2025, as well as eight signature events on the PGA Tour, which boast prize funds of about £15m. His goals for the year include competing in the European Ryder Cup team, following his contribution to their victory in 2023.
The Scotsman, whose next event will be the Dunhill Links over Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, and St Andrews Old Course, is thrilled that his improved world ranking allows him to control his 2025 schedule.
“For the first time in my career, I can schedule all the biggest events in the world. I can pick and choose where and when we go and how we prepare. It’s a much better position than last year,” MacIntyre concluded.
