Local hero Bob MacIntyre says defeating Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth finally made him feel like he belonged on Europe’s Ryder Cup star-studded team.
The Glencruitten man, who will play in the last of today’s single’s matches against Wyndham Clark, played some scintillating golf alongside European stalwart Justin Rose to defeat two of the most talented players on the planet and secure a vital point at a crucial time in Saturday’s four balls.
The 27-year-old had admitted he was disappointed with how he played as he made his debut on Friday, despite grabbing a share of the spoils in his match, but says yesterday’s performance left him on top of the world.
Bob added: “I wanted so badly to win a full point. I didn’t feel I had earned it yet, I hadn’t earned my stripes.
“I was sitting all morning and didn’t know if it was going to play. I only learned two hours before tee-off time and I knew this was my chance, although there were still Sunday’s singles to come too.
“Everyone wants to play their part and win on the Sunday, but the overall result is the most important thing. Your Everest is winning the Ryder Cup and we go into today knowing we have a great chance.”
Bob joked that his dream day was complete after his shinty side, Oban Celtic, dodged relegation.
He added: “My dad told me on the seventh tee that Kilmallie had beaten Strathglass 6-1 and I then found out we had drawn 2-2, so we will be playing in the same division next year, which is a smashing effort.”
Despite two DP World Tour victories to his name, MacIntyre truly came of age on Saturday as he showed nerves of steel and maturity beyond his years to land a game-turning birdie on the 13th as the game hung in the balance.
Bob said: “I knew it was a big moment in terms of momentum and I was like ‘you finally got one’.”
The Glencruitten man has been as good as anyone at Marco Simone Country Club from tee to green and revealed he took some late night putting practice on Friday to try and get the rest of his game in the same shape.
Despite being the one to step up in key moments, nailing a series of big putts and approach shots that kept the American duo under the cosh, modest Bob was quick to pay tribute to playing partner Rose for helping to keep him cool as the temperatures in Rome rocketed.
He said: “To have a guide like him was huge. The management kind of put us together for the last three weeks and his contribution has been unbelievable. He just allowed me to focus on what I was doing and he’s been top drawer.”
Bob also thanked his family, supporters and fans who have made the journey to Italy to be by his side over the last three days.
“Their backing has been everything, incredible. Now we’ve got to go out on the last day and win this cup.”
Bob tees off at 12.47pm in the final match of the day