Robert MacIntyre and Shane Lowry both made significant strides in the RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Country Club, Ontario. The Scot, known for his fondness for shinty, produced a flawless performance over 36 holes, recording a second round 66, adding to his first round 64, to achieve a total of 10-under-par at the midway point. This strong display positioned him at the pinnacle of the leader board and set him on course for a potential first win during his inaugural season on the PGA Tour.
However, Lowry, an admirer of GAA and hailing from Offaly, had to rally in his second round to avoid missing the half-way cut. Improving on his first-round 72 by four strokes with a well-structured 68, he secured his place in the weekend’s competition at level par 140.
With ambitions of qualifying for the restricted-selection Tour Championship, where only the top-30 players make the roster, Lowry, positioned 10th in the FedEx Cup, achieved five birdies and three bogeys in his second round. This performance ensured that he would feature in at least two more rounds where he could continue to improve his stand.
Despite the need for Lowry to string together consecutive birdies on his 12th and 13th holes (third and fourth of his round having started from the 10th), and then manage five consecutive par shots to secure his place, it was MacIntyre who stole the show.
The rookie, who was Lowry’s Europe Ryder Cup teammate in the victory over the USA in Rome the previous September, paved his way to the top of the leader board during his first season on the PGA Tour, which came after acquiring one of the 10 cards at last year’s DP World Tour.
MacIntyre, who’s latest professional triumph was the 2022 Italian Open, climbed to the top of the leader board after completing a round that included four birdies and no bogeys on the old Harry Colt course, recently modernised by Martin Ebert. Finishing his round saw him three ahead of David Skinns, Andrew Novak and Mackenzie Hughes.
Amidst an atmosphere of unfamiliarity, as his father assumes a new role as his caddy, MacIntyre appears to maintain his composure and attentiveness, focusing single-mindedly on the task at hand. Speaking about his father’s new role, MacIntyre shared that it’s a learning opportunity for both of them as he aims to remain cool-headed even during slight hitches. Despite occasional slip-ups, they aim to have an enjoyable experience. MacIntyre, recently swapping various caddies and dealing with homesickness, acknowledged that his father’s involvement is a milestone to relish, regardless of the outcome. Never straying from his consistent strategy, MacIntyre aims to hit fairways and good shots, reiterating golf’s nature as a challenge against oneself and confirming his satisfaction with his performance so far.
Over at Hamburg for the weather-stricken European Open of the DP World Tour, Tom McKibbin from Northern Ireland – defending last year’s title which he won – scored second round 71 following an initial 69, culminating in a six-under-par 140 midway, pushing him into the top five.
Meanwhile at the US Women’s Open in the Lancaster Country Club, Pennsylvania, Minjee Lee of Australia and Yuka Saso of Japan took early equal positions as clubhouse leaders, each with one-under-par 139 after completing 36-holes.