BUM’S RUSH
Bob works his backside off on swing to motor up BMW board in Germany
BOB MacINTYRE admitted he had to work his backside off to bag a bit of the old magic in Munich yesterday.
The 25-year-old Scot is tied 10th at the BMW International Open thanks to a bogey-free five-under 67 in his first round.
MacIntyre’s return to form is timely as he had slipped to world No.95 with the Scottish Open and The Open just around the corner.
He said: “It was a good round as I’ve worked my a** off on swing changes recently.
“It’s hard to trust them but what a change it is.
“I’m striking the middle of the club face and I’m seeing the golf I used to play a year-and-a-half ago.
“It’s so pleasing. I’ve seen it in practice but it’s not been under the gun yet. I stepped on 18 there, didn’t like the tee shot with the wind, laid it up.
“I was trying my best to drop a shot. It’s just good to go bogey-free and see the things you’re working on actually working.”
China’s Li Haotong equalled his career-best score and also the course record with a 62 to take a one-stroke lead at the Eichenried Golf Club.
Li grabbed a pair of eagle threes and six birdies, with Dutchman Daan Huizing posting a 63.
Just a shot behind MacIntyre are fellow Scots Ewen Ferguson and Richie Ramsay.
Ferguson, the reigning Qatar Masters champion, was delighted also with his effort of five birdies and just a lone bogey.
He said: “I played smart golf and just plugged my way around nicely.
“The key part of the round was on the third hole – I holed a really long par putt and the momentum I got from that was nice. I just ticked along from there.
“At this level, if you’re playing well, any course will suit your eye.
“Hopefully it’ll be more of the same for the rest of the week.”