Robert MacIntyre feeling “dangerous,” ballin’ at PGA Tour opposite field event

Robert MacIntyre, who starred for the European Ryder Cup team this past fall, finally looks comfortable on the PGA Tour.

MacIntyre called the tour a “lonely place” earlier this week, adding that the camaraderie seen on the European-based DP World Tour dwarfs that of the PGA Tour.

But based on his play thus far at the Myrtle Beach Classic, nobody would have known that MacIntyre felt that way.

“I think it’s been really good. I think it’s difficult to back up a good round [like I had on Thursday],” MacIntyre explained.

“Felt like I did that really well. The front nine I was absolutely pretty much flawless golf. Missed a few chances. But when you keep giving yourself lots of chances, you’re going to take some. Overall a good round today and a good one [Thursday].”

The Scotsman opened with a 7-under 64 and followed that up with a 4-under 67 Friday. He also leads the field in total strokes gained, thanks in part to a putter that has caught fire.

Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

When MacIntyre walked off the course after his round, the left-hander held sole possession of the lead at 11-under par—an unfamiliar position for him.

Yet, unfamiliarity has been the theme for MacIntyre’s experience of playing in the United States.

“I’m from a small town on the west coast of Scotland. A lot of people never leave Oban. They go on holidays and stuff, but they’re born there, they work there, they ultimately die there. My whole family and friends are there. They’re probably always going to be there,” MacIntyre explained.

“It’s just difficult when I come over here, my girlfriend and I. We’re trying to make it our home, and it’s difficult when you’ve not got that family connection. We’re giving it our best shot, but it’s completely different from home life.”

MacIntyre went on to explain how he and his girlfriend have rented a home in the Orlando area, and he uses the “incredible” facilities at Isleworth Golf Club to get his practice in.

But he still feels an emptiness inside of him.

“I thought that moving to the U.S. was the only way of achieving my dreams in golf,” MacIntyre added.

“I don’t know if that’s the answer. I feel like a happy Bob MacIntyre is a dangerous Bob MacIntyre on the golf course, and home life makes me happy. That’s why I’m probably going to go home after the next couple of events. I’ll go home to Scotland rather than go to Orlando.”

Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images

Last year, MacIntyre looked his best while playing on home turf, almost winning the Genesis Scottish Open. MacIntyre would have emerged as the hometown winner if Rory McIlroy had not birdied the final two holes.

Since then, he won 2.5 out of three possible points at the Ryder Cup and has recorded four top-10 finishes, which includes a tie for sixth at this year’s Mexico Open—his best finish of the season. MacIntyre has played well, despite him feeling lonely and homesick.

But the Scotsman believes that he made an easy decision to play on the PGA Tour.

“It wasn’t a difficult decision. The World Ranking points, the financial gain and the practice facilities, it can only benefit me if I play good golf,” MacIntyre added.

“I can go back to European Tour anytime I want. I’ve obviously got that grace period with the 10 cards that we’ve got this year, and I’ve obviously got one in the back pocket from playing Ryder Cup. I’m comfortable. I’m just trying to become one of the best players in the world. I don’t know what limit I’ve got in golf. I don’t know where my limit is. I’m just trying my best every day to accept what score I get and work harder.”

Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.