It’s no surprise that Robert McIntyre has won the majors, and his fearless mentality can drive him to one of the big four titles, says former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley.
McGinley of Ireland, who has become one of the game’s most keen analysts, believes that the Scottish form of the past two years has established him among the elite.
The 28-year-old MacIntyre sped late last July to claim the Scotland opening at the Renaissance Club.
“There’s a big title behind them – against a strong field – the major is not a huge leap for him,” McGinley told BBC Sports Scotland.
“It didn’t happen in Augusta (Macintyre missed the cut), but he’s certainly on the upper level that people are thought to get majors.
“If he did, that wouldn’t be a big surprise. Two years ago, it would have been a big jump. But he closed the gap with the best players in the game.
“He has a swashbuckling style. He doesn’t play with a lot of fear. He’s one of those people who consider you a potential winner in every major.”
McGinley will speak on the eve of the event on the Legends Tour at Barbados’ Apes Hill, hosted by former Masters champion Ian Woosnam – you can see similarities in the development of Augusta winners Macintyre and Danny Willett in 2016.
Willett was ranked 12th in the world when he insisted on the Green Jacket, but was considered a surprise winner as he played golf mainly on European circuits.
MacIntyre is ranked 20th in the world and usually flies under the radar when predictions are made about potential major winners.
However, he donated 2½ points out of three matches in 2023 to help Europe regain the Ryder Cup in Rome, backing it up with two wins last year
“When Willett won the Masters, he reminds me a bit. It was a bit of a surprise victory for the US audience as he won a great field in Dubai a few months ago, but he was in the top 10 cusp in the world at the time,” McGinley added.
