MAJOR HOPE
Bob’s hoping to turn on style in States more often after US PGA
Robert MacIntyre says he’s focused on becoming a familiar face Stateside after a San Francisco stunner.
The Oban lefty teed it up last night at the US PGA – only his second Major start – thanks to a Friday flourish.
MacIntyre posted a threeunder 67 in his second round to ease himself inside the cut at Harding Park.
The 24- year- old has no intention of abandoning the European Tour, on which he was crowned Rookie of the Year last season.
But he knows that to reach the top he has to play more on the PGA Tour, having shown he’s comfortable in star-studded company.
MacIntyre slipped from world No. 67 at the start of lockdown to No. 81 after the
American circuit exited the shutdown before Europe.
The Scot, who will tee up in next month’s US Open at Winged Foot as well, said: “Just now I am fully focused on trying to get into the top 50 in the world, whether that’s getting invites on the PGA Tour or back playing in Europe.
“But I don’t know where I stand just now. I’m in that bubble just outside it.
“Once I get in the top 50 in the world then I’ll play out here as well as back home in Europe. It’s the place you’ve got to play. The best players in the world are out here so, if I manage to get in that position, you’ve got to take it.”
A frustrated Tiger Woods failed to find the fast start he needed last night to get back into contention for a f ifth US PGA crown as he made it to the turn in one over.
While MacIntyre showed his potential Stateside, back on the European Tour Andy Sullivan carved out a fiveshot lead at Hanbury Manor.
The world No.148 carded a sublime seven-under 64 to race to 21 under at the English Championship and is now on the brink of a first win in almost five years. Fellow
Englishman Steven Brown (66) is his closest challenger after a 66, while Connor Syme leads the Scots charge on 11 under thanks to a 68.
Sullivan, who made his Ryder Cup debut in 2016, said: “I can’t control anyone who is going to come up behind me.
“This course does offer a lot of birdies so I’m sure at some point someone is going to have a run at me. All I can do is control what I do and see where we are at the end of it.
“As I was swinging it well, a lot of shots came off and I gave myself a lot of chances. It was good fun out there.”
Scots Richie Ramsay (69) and Marc Warren (67) are in a six-strong group tied for 28th on 10 under.
David Drysdale (70) and Scott Jamieson (68) are two shots further back, whi le fellow Scot Ewen Ferguson (69) sits on seven under. David Law had a nightmare moving day as six bogeys blighted a 76 that sent the Aberdonian tumbling back to one under.