I won’t make make fool of myself, says MacIntyre

ROBERT MacINTYRE insists he’ll pull out of next month’s WGC event in Mexico rather than make a fool of himself among the world’s elite. The 23-year-old Scot is struggling physically after missing the cut at the Saudi International and could take an extended spell on the sidelines to get his body right. While the hand injury that forced him to pull out of the Abu Dhabi Championship a fortnight ago is no longer an issue, other aches and pains will force MacIntyre to reassess his entire swing in search of a solution — and such a root and branch review could take some time. But last year’s European Tour Rookie of the Year vowed not to return to competitive action until he’s ready, even if it means sacrificing a spot in the WGC Mexico Championship at the end of this month, which represents his last shot at earning a place at the US Masters. ‘I’m not going there unless I’m fully fit,’ said MacIntyre (right) after posting a second-round 71 to bow out on three over par. ‘I know it’s a big event but that’s probably the worst place to go when you’re not feeling great. Playing against the best players in the world, I’ll go out there and make a fool of myself if I’m not ready. ‘So whether it takes two days to fix or two years, now is the time to go and fix it. ‘I didn’t enjoy this week. I can’t commit to shots as my body is not allowing me to hit them. ‘Trying to hit knockdown six irons when I can’t dig into the turf isn’t how I want to play golf. ‘I’m walking down with four holes to go thinking to myself “get me out of here”. That’s an attitude I’ve never had. ‘I can’t really do any work, that’s my problem. I can’t stand on a range and batter balls because, after 50 balls, I start feeling it in my body. ‘So I’ll go and get things sorted then come back and hopefully play some better golf.’ Dundee-based Frenchman Victor Perez leads in Saudi Arabia on ten under par, a shot ahead of Malaysia’s Gavin Green. First-round leader Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland is a shot further back. Edinburgh’s Grant Forrest hit a superb 66 to make the weekend on one under while fellow Scots Connor Syme, Scott Jamieson and Richie Ramsay are on level par. Stephen Gallacher, one shot worse off, also made the cut.