Mac goes all guns blazing
BIRDIE BLAST FIRES UP SCOT
BOB MacINTYRE blitzed The Belfry to share the halfway lead at the Betfred British Masters – and then carried on the carnage playing Call of Duty late into last night.
The Oban star admitted it “felt beautiful” to start his second round with five consecutive birdies in his stunning 66.
The top-ranked player in the field joined his fellow Scot Calum Hill and Southampton’s Richard Bland, below, on seven under par after 36 holes.
And the 24-year-old then planned to get away from chasing the biggest title of his young career by spending the evening with all guns blazing on his favourite video game.
“I bring my Playstation everywhere I go – it is a huge stress reliever,” said MacIntyre. “I feel sorry for the people that are next to me because it’s half-eleven at night, no matter the tee time and I’m roaring with my pals on the headset. That just keeps me away from golf – when I come out here competing, it’s 100 percent focus.”
The world No.45 lit up a dank Warwickshire afternoon with a brilliant round yesterday that included eight birdies. “I was in free flow and the putter was rolling,” he said. “For me, it felt beautiful.
“That could have been a crazy score today. I still missed quite a few chances but that’s golf.
“If I can shoot 66-66 at the weekend playing like that, obviously you would take that.” His co-leaders are both seeking a first European Tour win. World No.135 Hill three-putted the last for his 70 in his 34th event. And Bland, who has played bogey-free rounds of 68 and 69, will be looking to break his duck at the 478th attempt. “It would mean everything, especially at my age,” said the 48-year-old.
Eddie Pepperell said home comforts were helping his return to contention after his 68 left him a shot off the lead. The 2018 winner, who has only two top-10 finishes since the resumption of golf last summer, said: “Being at home this week has helped. Jen made me a moussaka last night and breakfast burritos.”