Bob is back in the swing

DAVID LAW began his third round at The Open as the leading Scot only for Oban rival Bob MacIntyre to steal the Aberdonian’s thunder.

After squeezing into the weekend by the skin of his teeth, MacIntyre felt like curling up and crying.

But after a night’s sleep, he returned to the Old Course for a 9.05 tee-time in a much more positive frame of mind having largely de-stressed.

After finishing tied sixth at Royal Portrush in his first Open three years ago and followed that impressive start with a share of eighth place at Sandwich 12 months ago, MacIntyre had hoped to continue his progress this week at the historic 150th Championship.

But he only just survived the cut on Friday evening when he hovered nervously on the mark of level par.

An edgy 74 following an opening 70 meant that MacIntyre featured in the third pairing and it turned out to be a much better day for the 25-year-old when he shot 69.

But the memory of his secondround struggles was still fresh in his mind as he recalled having never been more stressed on a golf course in his life as the crowds willed him to ignite his round.

‘Last night I was sitting at the dinner table just slouched, not knowing what to do. I was trying to eat, but I was done. I could have curled up in a ball and cried.

‘Obviously, it was good to make the cut, but I’m wanting a few things in the game, and I’m starting to see good signs, as long as I commit to the work.’

MacIntyre is rightly proud of the fact that he has yet to miss a cut in his 10 appearances in majors but he was also anxious to point out: ‘I’ve not challenged in one yet and I want to compete every time I tee it up.

‘But I’ve not mastered the Old Course yet. I don’t know quite how to play a few holes, and it’s driving me insane right now.’

Law, meanwhile, undid much of his good work over the first two rounds when he carded 72 and 69, respectively, after failing to enjoy a rub of the green.

The Open debutant, 31, ultimately shed five shots to slip from three-under to two-over when he signed for a 77.

Law did at least finish on a positive note when he birdied the last to boost his mindset to a minor extent.

But for all that his day did not go quite as planned, Law was not too downhearted after claiming: ‘It’s not a disaster. We’re playing The Open. We’re playing for four days at St Andrews and it’s good.’