Bob MacIntyre confirms 'another caddie change' as Mike Burrow picks up bag

Bob MacIntyre has confirmed his decision to “make another caddie change” less than a month after teaming up with Greg Milne in Europe’s Ryder Cup win in Rome.

Bob MacIntyre teamed up with new caddie Mike Burrows for the first time in last week's Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande. Picture: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images.

The Oban man started the 2023 season with Fifer Mike Thomson on his bag before linking up again with Irishman Milne, his first caddie on the DP World Tour, 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, when he returned to action in last week’s Andalucia Masters at Sotogrande following a week off, MacIntyre had a new caddie, Mike Burrow, at his side.

Englishman Burrow worked for Scott Henry earlier in his career and also had spells with Marcus Armitage, Garrick Porteous and Mike Lorenzo-Vera. He then teamed up with China’s Haotong Li, the duo winning the 2018 Dubai Desert Classic, while his most recent bag was Danny Willett’s.

The Scotsman understands the move has been made by MacIntyre due to Burrow’s experience on the PGA Tour, where the Scot is hoping to be playing 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.

“I’m feeling good,” said MacIntyre as he prepared to join six of his compatriots, including defending champion Ewen Ferguson, in this week’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at Doha Golf Club. “A little tired after the Pro-Am, but the game has been good. Made another change with the caddie, but the game is in good shape. Just trying to manage my energy output just now and hopefully it’s not too hot over the next couple of days.

“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 and is also heading to South Africa for the Nedbank Challenge in a fortnight’s time before joining up with most of his Ryder Cup team-mates in Dubai for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship the following week.

“(I have my eye on) one of the Top Ten cards for the PGA Tour,” admitted the 27-year-old. “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.”