"Disappointed" MacIntyre thwarted by US Open rival in Texas

The Oban native had led by one stroke going into the final round on Sunday, with rounds of 66, 64, and 72 leaving him at 14-under-par on a weather-affected weekend at TPC San Antonio’s Oak Course.

 

Despite leading since Friday, MacIntyre struggled to find birdies on the final day, recording nine consecutive pars on the front nine, which saw him lose his lead.

 

US Open winner JJ Spaun posted a clubhouse lead of 17-under-par, and the Oban-born golfer’s struggles on the final day left him three strokes behind with two holes to play.

 

However, a magnificent eagle on the penultimate hole gave MacIntyre a chance to tie Spaun on the difficult par-five 18th.

 

Reaching the green in three, MacIntyre left his 28-foot birdie putt short, meaning he once again missed out to Spaun, who had also thwarted his chances of a first major at Oakmont Country Club last June.

 

Speaking to the media after the round, MacIntyre said:  “It was a tough week. It was solid, just disappointing not to get the win.

 

“I have putted beautifully all year. I felt like I had hit a lot of nice putts today that weren’t even getting close.

 

“It was just one of those days where you don’t get the perfect numbers—so yes, I gave it my best shot.”

 

Despite the final-day disappointment, MacIntyre’s runner-up finish marks his second consecutive top-five result and his best performance on tour this season.

 

The statistics show that the Glencruitten golfer is excelling on the greens, gaining an average of 0.8 shots and ranking fourth on tour this season.

 

An equipment change with the driver in Texas also appeared to boost the Scotsman’s performance off the tee, with MacIntyre gaining an average of 0.6 shots on the field.

 

Despite a marked improvement in San Antonio, the Scot is still losing ground to the field with his approach play.

 

The world number eight now sits inside the top 10 of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup standings heading into The Masters next week.

 

On his prospects at Augusta National, MacIntyre added: “I am right there. I don’t need to worry about things going into next week.”

 

The 29-year-old is aiming to become the first Scot to win the green jacket since Sandy Lyle in 1988.

 

MacIntyre missed the cut last time out, with his best finish coming on his debut in 2021, where he tied for 12th.