Robert MacIntyre’s Sunday charge at the Sony Open in Hawaii was nothing short of electric, a blistering, bogey-free 63 that had fans and commentators buzzing. Yet despite the heroics, the Scottish left-hander was left lamenting not what he did on the final day, but what he failed to control earlier in the week: his attitude and putter.
A Putter Snap Heard ‘Round the Fairway
Finishing just four strokes behind winner Chris Gotterup, MacIntyre climbed to a tie for fourth, enough to nudge him up one place to sixth in the world rankings. But there was no sugarcoating his self-assessment. MacIntyre didn’t lose the tournament on Sunday; he lost it on Friday, with a snapped putter and a moment of costly frustration.
“Doing that cost me a shot,” he admitted to Golf Channel, referring to a missed three-foot putt on the 18th that sent his putter to an early grave. “My attitude cost me this golf tournament, and I can’t allow that.”
Calm on Sunday, but the Damage Was Done
The drama of Sunday’s final round almost made you forget how the tournament began for MacIntyre. But his words after the round served as a stark reminder: in professional golf, talent might open the door, but temperament walks you through it.
“I putted beautifully,” he said after his seven-under masterclass at Waialae Country Club. “Massive reminder that attitude has to be spot on. Last year, I felt like I done a great job of that.”
It’s a telling statement, MacIntyre knows what it takes, and on Sunday, he showed the world he’s got it. His front nine 30 was surgical, built on five birdies and laser-like tee shots that gave him looks all day. But the tournament, like so many in golf, was a four-day affair. And the emotional stumble on Friday loomed large.
Gotterup Grabs the Spotlight, but MacIntyre Grabs the Lesson
Meanwhile, Chris Gotterup, calm and clinical, closed with a 64 to secure a two-shot victory over Ryan Gerard, with Patrick Rodgers trailing just behind. England’s Harry Hall also impressed, notching a 69 to tie for sixth.
As for Rory McIlroy, a third-place finish in Dubai keeps him second in the world, behind Scottie Scheffler and ahead of Tommy Fleetwood. But for MacIntyre, this week was a different kind of win, a lesson, a warning, and a powerful reminder that golf’s hardest battle isn’t always against the leaderboard. Sometimes, it’s against yourself.
