Robert is hoping to avoid the scareways
Really wild show in South Africa
BOB MACINTYRE is relishing watching South Africa’s big beasts from the fairways – as he bids to prove he can be one on the European Tour.
The Scot tees up today in the Alfred Dunhill Championship on one of the world’s most iconic courses, his first appearance since winning a maiden Tour title at the Cyprus Showdown three weeks ago.
The Leopard Creek Country Club is laid out along the Crocodile River bordering the Kruger National Park, which boasts an array of colourful and dangerous wildlife.
A black mamba snake was once discovered curled up in one of the Leopard Creek holes and last year members neared one green to be greeted by the sight of a python wrapped around a young buck it had killed after grazing on a fairway.
Nine-time Major winner Gary Player designed the course and said: “When the course was constructed, we had to close it for five days because some lions got in through a fence. After all, the lion’s motto is, ‘If you can’t beat ‘em, eat ‘em!’”
But MacIntyre won’t be running scared and can’t wait to hunt down another title.
He said: “I ’m feeling great. The game has been in good shape for a wee while now and I’ve finally got the clubs to start working for me.
“I love this course as it’s a tough test of golf and it’s in great condition. That’s one of the reasons I travelled out here to play in this event.
“It’s great also to see so many animals in their natural habitat and fortunately I’ve had no close encounters.
“I’m pleased the event is back on the schedule and it’s one of those weeks where you can knuckle down and if you play well you’re going to be right in there.
“I’ve got a lot to play for just now. This week was a huge opportunity, especially knowing the course.”
MacIntyre returns to Leopard Creek for a second visit in two years and has already been wrapping his own jaws around his favourite treat.
He said: “My favourite South African food is steak and biltong. The meat is brilliant out here.”
He’ll need to be fighting fit to keep at bay South African playing partners George Coetzee, a twotime winner in September, and young gun Wilco Nienaber.
The 20- year- old has been attracting enormous interest in averaging close to 337 yards off the tee and went close to a first victory last week at the Joburg Open in finishing runner-up.
A back-to-back Tour victory would lift MacIntyre to around 55th in the rankings and edge him closer to a maiden Masters invitation.
Joining MacIntyre in the field are fellow Scots Connor Syme, David Drysdale, Scott Jamieson, David Law and Calum Hill.