Was Robert MacIntyre Right to Mock American Ryder Cup Team

I am a big fan of Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre. He is a passionate Scottish golfer who loved every minute of the part he played in Europe’s memorable Ryder Cup triumph at Marco Simone last year.

MacIntyre is currently trying to make his way on the PGA Tour, having claimed one of the 10 cards on offer last year as a result of his play on the DP World Tour. 

In truth, it has been something of a struggle to date. In nine starts he has missed four cuts with a best finish of tied sixth at the Mexico Open in a tournament that boasted one of the year’s weakest fields.

So you would expect him to be keeping his head down and flying under the radar, wouldn’t you? 

Not a bit of it.

At the Valspar Championship, where he made the cut by the skin of his teeth, MacIntyre taunted his American hosts by labelling his caddie's bib with Europe's Ryder Cup-winning score.

MacIntyre took advantage of a quirk of the tournament that allows players to choose wording for their caddie's bib.

The Scot opted for 'EUR 16.5-11.5 USA' in reference to the USA’s defeat in Rome in September.

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

Among mixed responses on social media, Ryder Cup Europe posted on X: "He's only gone and done it. We approve."

Their USA counterparts responded: "Never too soon to start thinking about Bethpage in 2025."

Meanwhile, the official PGA Tour account asked: "Too soon?"

too soon? ???? pic.twitter.com/7IQd6TbBWt

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 21, 2024

Part of me admires what MacIntyre did. However, I can’t help but feel that he has put a target on his back. Trust me when I tell you that the crowds at Bethpage are going to be rowdy - very rowdy. And they will most definitely have made a note of this.

It could also follow him for the rest of the season. US fans will be happy to remind him every time he struggles.

If MacIntyre makes Donald’s team next year, I can guarantee that the fans will be giving him what I would describe as an "enthusiastic" welcome. He is actually a fairly reserved individual and I am certain that the New York galleries will wind him up for sure. 

I just hope that he is big enough to remember that he has brought this upon himself and can use it to lift his game. Otherwise it could all become very messy.

In the past we have seen players such as Bubba Watson, Patrick Reed, Boo Weekley and Ian Poulter actively encouraging the crowd to holler while standing over the golf ball. They are all BIG characters who knew it would bring out the best in them. And it certainly worked. I hope MacIntyre does not live to regret his actions at the Valspar.