Top Scot Robert MacIntyre brilliantly timley reminded everyone of his credentials producing a career lowest opening score at the Made in Himmerland.
MacIntyre superbly battled the bruising conditions to be soaring two shots clear of the field with eight birdies in a six-under par 64 on the host Farso course in Denmark.
His first day effort is MacIntyre’s lowest opener by a shot in a combined 133 DP World Tour and secondary Challenge Tour events going back to his tour debut in 2016.
As well, MacIntyre’s opening round also is only his fourth first round sub-70 in his 15 events this season, and in two of those events the Scot has gone on to secure his best two finishes – T6th at the ISPS Handa Championship in Japan and T7th a week later at the Korea Championship.
220 Yards ▶ 7ft
Incredible shot from @robert1lefty 🚀#MIH23 pic.twitter.com/rdbnLZfgxs
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) July 6, 2023
Indeed, MacIntyre’s Danish round matches his closing round 64 in Japan.
MacIntyre was out in 33 and thanks to five birdies from his 11th to 17th holes, home in 31 to lead the Danish field by two from England’s Ross Fisher
MacIntyre said: “It was really tough today. When I was sitting in my room this morning, I was quite glad that I wasn’t out there. It got a little bit nicer.
“Obviously, the breeze was really strong, but at least we didn’t have any rain. But it was just a mental battle out there and just had to stay positive.
“My two dropped shots were going to happen and I just had to take the chances when they came and thankfully, I did that.
“So, there was a bit of luck, here and there. I’ve been working hard at my game the last three weeks. I’ve chopped and changed. There’s been a lot of changes and I’ve kind of gone back to what I know I’m good at. This week I mean I didn’t turn up until Tuesday night and enjoyed myself for a few days at the tennis and I just pitched up here refreshed and with a good attitude.
MacIntyre arrived in Denmark still outside the world’s top-100 and nursing the pain of a closing round 76 that saw him tumble to just inside the top-40 at last week’s Betfred British Masters.
And a decision to go back working with long-time former coach, David Burns and this week turning also to again working ‘mind man’ Simon Shanks, MacIntyre’s great start could pave the way to a triple Tour triumph come late Sunday, and MacIntyre he could also not be playing better ahead of next week’s Genesis Scottish Open and his appearance a week later in The Open.
He said: “I’m in a good mindset just now. I changed coach to my old coach two and a half weeks ago. I’ve then reverted back this week to Simon [Shanks] and so there’s been a lot going on, my head’s been all over the place, but I’ve stayed positive and I knew my game was there. Just had to drive the ball a little bit better this week.
“And you know what, although I’ve hit a few shots right, people will have seen the shots right, I’m really happy with them because it shows I’m committed to the swing. It’s just the clubface and you know what, positive signs.”
Next best of the nine Scots competing in Denmark is Richie Ramsay and Marc Warren posting level par 70s.
Six of the nine Scots in this week’s Denmark field, including Warren, will be seeking a tee-time into next fortnight’s 151st Open Championship.
It will mean needing to finish top-3 at tournament end among those not exempt into Royal Liverpool.
However, Stephen Gallacher will be struggling to make the cut, trailing the field after an opening 78.
