Top Scot Robert MacIntyre has reached a career high of No. 6 in the world but blamed his ‘attitude’ in letting slip possible victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii.
MacIntyre stormed to an eventual share of fourth just four shots adrift of American Chris Gotterup, the reigning Genesis Scottish Open champ, who produced a closing 64 for a two-shot success, and also a third Tour triumph.
MacIntye birdied five of his outward nine holes and then the 15th and last in a best of the final round 63 for the reigning Dunhill Links champion to also record his best PGA Tour result since he was runner-up in last August’s BMW Championship.
The Scot’s effort also bumped the reigning US Open champ JJ Spaun from No. 6 to No. 7 on the World Rankings. It was Spaum who had held on to deny MacIntyre glory at last year’s US Open at Oakmont.
TOP SCOT LOSES HIS COOL, SNAPS PUTTER BUT IS NEW @OWGRltd No. 6⃣ ….
Robert MacIntyre admits his ‘attitude’ was found wanting, snapping his putter but then storming home on the back of a 63 to share 4th @SonyOpenHawaii
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— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) January 19, 2026
Though MacIntyre revealed it was a far from positive attitude that cost the double Ryder Cup winning star a hopeful third PGA Tour win in America’s 50th State.
As well, the Oban lefty revealed he snapped his putter late in Friday’s second round and this due to his frustration in missing a three-footer for par.
MacIntyre said: “It was a great final round of golf to be honest. After about 12 holes I felt I should have been nine-under par as I was rolling the putter well.
“I don’t know if it’s a good thing to say, but I snapped my putter on 17 on Friday afternoon. Missed a three-footer on 18 Friday afternoon, so doing that cost me a shot.
“It was just a big, big reminder for me that my attitude has got to be right for 72 holes, not just 36.
“Because at the end of the day my attitude cost me this golf tournament, and I can’t be allowing that.
“You have got to be in the right position at the right time to allow a round like today to finish off.
“So, a bit disappointed overall, but a great round of golf”.
MacIntyre has always worn his heart on his sleeve while he’s also always been honest about his on-course feelings.
As well, the effort earned the Scot a decent $409,500 (£305,683) and not a bad windfall in a first event in around close to 30 he will contest this year.
MacIntyre said: “Look, this is my first event or first event in four weeks, or really the first proper test since the Middle East late last year.
“For the first two days I felt rusty, very rusty. Not around the greens like chipping whatnot. Putting was off, just routes were off. Iron play, approach play, normally I can shape it into the winds and certain shots I didn’t have.
“And I’m like, I feel I’ve lost this. Yesterday was better. I hit 17 out of 18 greens. Really good approach play. And then today I had very good approach play. Wedge play was superb. Felt like I missed in the right spots off the tee to give myself chances and I putted beautifully.
“The result is still a great springboard into my new season and a lot more to come.
“But it’s always a massive reminder that attitude has to be spot on.
“Last year I felt like I did a great job of that. Yeah, I think expectations for the first two rounds kind of affected me with that, but, yeah, starting to manage it better. Obviously nice when you’re playing well. It’s easier to manage”.
MacIntyre heads back to the US mainland this week for the Farmers Insurance Open in California and where five-time major-winning Brooks Koepka where the ex-LIV GOLF star will play a first regular PGA Tour since March 2022.
