BOB AIMS TO ASSIST CAMPUS CLEAR-UP

BROUGHT up to appreciate the inherent value in helping others, Robert MacIntyre was never going to look the other way. Not in these toughest of times. When Hurricane Laura hit his old university town of Lake Charles, Louisiana last month, the young Scot knew he had to do something. So, while he can’t be there helping friends clear up the chemical spills and fallen trees, MacIntyre will use his position of privilege — and his place in next week’s US Open — to help ease the burden. Along with sponsors Orion Group, Aberdeen Standard Investments and Arnold Clark, the 24-year-old has pledged to donate $3,500 for every birdie — or better — that he cards at Winged Foot. The money goes to the Campus Emergency Fund providing help for faculty, students and staff at McNeese State University. MacIntrye credits the 18 months he spent at McNeese as crucial to his development as a golfer and a person. ‘I’ve a lot of friends who still live out there,’ he said. ‘I saw when the hurricane was coming in to hit, right on Lake Charles, and the devastation caused by it. ‘I’ve got some pals trying to clean it up just now. There’s a big refinery about a mile outside of Lake Charles that’s been leaking chemicals and everything. So it’s not just flattened houses. It’s businesses, the lot. The whole place shut down there for a bit. ‘People are helping each other to rebuild, clearing things. My friend is out there with his family working all day, every day just trying to clear trees off the roads. It’s horrific. ‘I can’t be there to help but if I do my job well I’ll raise as much as I can. The Covid situation is bad enough without getting hit with a hurricane as well. ‘They’re trying to fix everything they can and I’m just trying to support them. Hopefully I can make a few birdies for them because every little helps.’

LIAM JOHNSTON leads the Portugal Masters after a sizzling first round of 10-under-par 61, while Russell Knox carded a nine-under 63 to set the early pace in the Safeway Open.