Dubai, UAE … The tougher version of thie Emirates Course proved no concern for top-ranked Scot Robert MacIntyre who seemed to brush off any left-hand injury concern launching a 325-yard ‘bomb’ off the 18th tee during Wednesday’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am.
The top world-ranked Scot then later gave both thumbs up to making his 2020 European Tour debut this week after sitting out last week’s Tour stop in neighbouring Abu Dhabi.
He said: “I’m going out there to play aggressive, play free and hopefully pain free.
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“I’ve still got my wrist strapped but I don’t know if that’s doing any good. I’m just doing it because is my head, I’m saying to myself, this is strapped up, it’s strong just now, so I’ll give it a go (smiling).
The young Scot admitted he’s been taking painkillers since before the Open in July – his major debut, where he still finished tied-6th – and resolved to take six weeks off over the winter to aid the healing process.
The best thing, he believes, was rest. “I’m not worried, but if the pain comes back, then we’ve got a problem,” said the world No 67, whose 2019 was highlighted by three runner-up finishes. “We’ve got to go and look into it deeper, whether it’s technique or whatnot.
“But no, I can’t worry about if I go here this week and worry about a sore hand, which could happen. Then I’m as well back home in Oban and sit on the couch. I’m just going out there, playing golf full throttles as I normally do and see how we’re going.”
And in returning to Dubai for a first time since capturing the 2019 ‘Rookie of the Year’ title, the 23-year was quizzed what his aspirations were at the start of this now second full season on the main Tour.
MacIntyre said: “I’ve not looked further than April. I’ve got one goal and that is to be in the to-50 in the world by April and earn a Masters invitation, and if I can achieve that, then I think the start of my season would have been as good as the end of last year.”
