Robert MacIntyre has expressed his gratitude towards Ryder Cup partner Justin Rose, praising the experienced golfer for his support during their victorious campaign for Team Europe. MacIntyre, who was making his debut in the prestigious tournament, spoke highly of Rose’s ability to keep him calm and composed, preventing him from succumbing to nerves and tears.
Recalling their first tee shot on the Friday, MacIntyre admitted to feeling nervous and overwhelmed. He confessed, “I was almost crying walking off the range.” However, Rose quickly came to his aid, comforting him and reassuring him that everything would be okay. This act of kindness helped MacIntyre regain his composure and focus on the game at hand. Rose’s experience and trust in his partner provided the young Scot with much-needed confidence throughout the matches.
MacIntyre went on to perform admirably, remaining unbeaten throughout the week. He won two matches and halved another, contributing significantly to Team Europe’s success. Despite struggling on the greens initially, Rose recognized MacIntyre’s potential and offered words of encouragement to the young golfer. MacIntyre revealed, “Even though I was terrible on the greens on Friday, I think he spoke to Luke (Donald) and said, ‘he’s close’, and I felt that tee-to-green I was solid.”
The duo’s partnership was truly a testament to their chemistry and shared determination. MacIntyre explained, “I was never out of a hole or making a disaster, I was almost allowing him to be more aggressive because he was playing so good.” It was evident that Rose’s unwavering belief in his partner helped MacIntyre perform at his best.
Their notable teamwork was witnessed during the Friday match against Max Homa and Wyndham Clark. Despite trailing behind, the pair staged a remarkable comeback, with Rose sinking a crucial 18th-hole putt that secured a tie for the European team. Their only victory on Saturday came against Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth, further solidifying their partnership.
In response to MacIntyre’s heartfelt comments, Rose took to social media to reciprocate the sentiment, affirming their strong camaraderie. He stated, “We stay in this fight – it was a pleasure playing with you mate.”
MacIntyre will now shift his focus to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, taking place in his home country of Scotland. Golf enthusiasts can watch him in action live on Sky Sports Golf from Thursday, October 5. This tournament will provide MacIntyre with an opportunity to showcase his skills and continue his impressive form following the Ryder Cup.
The partnership between MacIntyre and Rose serves as a reminder of the power of support and encouragement in achieving success. Rose’s mentorship and belief in his young teammate undoubtedly propelled them to victory. As MacIntyre aptly puts it, they fought together and will surely continue to do so in future endeavors.