Bob MacIntyre sees 'a lot of positives' for rest of his big run of US events

Bob MacIntyre wasn’t pleased with his week overall in the WGC-Workday Championship in Florida.

Bob MacIntyre closed with a level-par 72 in the WGC-Workday Championship in Florida. Picture: Warren Little/Getty Images.

But, at the same time, he felt there were “a lot of positives” for the remainder of his run of big events in the US.

The 24-year-old from Oban closed with a level-par 72 for an eight-over 296 total, finishing in a tie for 61st behind Collin Morikawa in the 72-strong field for the $10.5 million event.

MacIntyre started the closing circuit with a birdie from close range and went on to make four birdies in the first six holes and five in total, but his card also included five bogeys.

“My four rounds this week were summed up on the last hole,” said the young Scot of a three-putt bogey from 50 feet. “Overall, it wasn't that good of a week.

“I played really solid tee-to-green, but my short-game and putting just let me down.

"I just couldn’t get to grips with the greens and the surrounds – they just battered me.“

Next up for MacIntyre is a debut in the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill as he bids to secure a first Masters appearance in April by staying in the world’s top 50 for the final cut-off for invitations late next month.

“I am driving the ball very good and I’m also hitting my long irons good, but it’s just my short irons are poor,” he added. “But there’s a lot of positives for me heading to Bay Hill and the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

“I haven’t practised a whole lot since coming out here, so there’s a bit of work to do at the start of this week and that should see me okay come Thursday.”

MacIntyre has stayed at 43rd in the world rankings, which sees South African Branden Grace back in the top 100, having climbed from 147th to 83rd after the South African returned to winning ways in the Puerto Rico Open on Sunday.

The former Alfred Dunhill Links champion finished eagle-birdie at Grand Reserve Country Club for a closing 66 to finish on 19-under, a shot ahead of Venezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas.

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