Robert MacIntyre’s Ryder Cup Tribute Sparks Controversy at Valspar Championship
Reigning Ryder Cup hero Robert MacIntyre stirred controversy at the Valspar Championship with a sartorial statement, customizing his caddie’s bib to taunt his American hosts. Despite his performance falling short, his playful jab injected excitement into the tournament.
Golf Sensation Robert MacIntyre Stirs Controversy with Ryder Cup Tribute at Valspar Championship
Reigning Ryder Cup hero Robert MacIntyre caused quite a stir at the Valspar Championship in Florida, using a clever caddie’s bib to take a playful jab at his American hosts. The young Scot, who was undefeated with 2.5 points in Europe’s triumph at the Marco Simone Country Club last September, seized on a unique tournament quirk that allows players to customize their caddie’s attire.
MacIntyre opted to have his caddie Mike Burrows’ bib emblazoned with the final score from the 2022 Ryder Cup: EUR 16.5 – 11.5 USA, a pointed reference to Europe’s decisive victory over the Americans. While Burrows was not even on MacIntyre’s bag during the Ryder Cup, the message was clear – the Scot was not about to let his American rivals forget their crushing defeat.
The move drew a mixed response, with Ryder Cup Europe enthusiastically endorsing it on social media, while the US team’s account cheekily suggested it was “never too soon to start thinking about Bethpage in 2025.” The PGA Tour’s official account simply quipped, “Too soon?“
“While MacIntyre’s gesture may have ruffled a few feathers, it certainly added an interesting twist to the tournament.”
Unfortunately for MacIntyre, his on-course performance at the Valspar did not quite live up to his sartorial statement. The 27-year-old left-hander carded a one-under 70 in the opening round, leaving him six shots off the pace set by leader Kevin Streelman. Both of MacIntyre’s American playing partners, Kevin Roy and Chandler Phillips, outscored him with rounds of 66 and 69, respectively.
- MacIntyre is making his ninth PGA Tour appearance of the season and has missed the cut in half of his previous events, including last week’s Players Championship.
- However, the Ryder Cup star’s playful jab at his American rivals has undoubtedly added some extra spice to the proceedings as the golfing world turns its attention to the upcoming WGC-Dell Match Play event and the long-term Ryder Cup rivalry.
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