Bob MacIntyre is sitting one shot off the lead as the second round at the Qatar Masters gets underway – with a new caddy and putter credited aiding his stunning start.
The Glencruitten man started the 2023 season with Fifer Mike Thomson on his bag before linking up again with former caddy Greg Milne back in June.
The duo enjoyed a week to cherish as Europe regained the Ryder Cup in Italy and were still together for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on Scottish soil the following week but the 27-year-old has teed off in the Middle East with a new caddie, Mike Burrow, by his side.
Englishman Burrow worked for Marcus Armitage, Garrick Porteous and Mike Lorenzo-Vera before teaming up with China’s Haotong Li and most recently former Masters champion Danny Willett.
A clue to the thinking behind the decision to part with Milne and bring in Burrows could be the caddy’s extensive experience on the PGA Tour, where Bob has admitted he could base himself next season as he closes in on one of the ten cards on offer through this year’s Race to Dubai on the DP World Tour.
He said: “I’m feeling good and my game has been good.
“I’ve not done much other than play the holes I’ve needed to play. Mike even said it on the way around, let’s not get annoyed because it’ll waste energy. It’s easier said than done, but it’s a massive part about this week.”
MacIntyre currently occupies sixth spot on the PGA Tour card list with two tournaments left – and admitted that he looks set to make the leap across the Atlantic next season.
He said: “I have my eye on one of the Top Ten cards for the PGA Tour. I’m close to being set I would say, but that’s why I’m here, picking up points. Trying to win golf tournaments, but if not, just pick up as many points as I can.
“It’s the same as when I was on the chase for the Ryder Cup. Turn up and pick up points, whether it’s one point or 400 points, it can be vital at the end. My goal is to play freely, play smart and pick up some points.”
The Oban man certainly seemed to revel in the changes and fired home six birdies on a bogey-free 66 after ringing the changes on and in his bag.
He tees off again today at 12.30pm as he looks to go into the weekend with a shot at another DP World Tour title.
Bob added: “Greig and I had a great run after teaming up again. I went back to what worked in the past for a wee while and it was great, but I just needed that change again.
“I’d been struggling a wee bit with the putting leading up to the Ryder Cup and wasn’t at my best there on the greens so I’ve changed my putter and also my stroke a little and the ball seems to be rolling nicely as a result.”