We all know that Robert MacIntyre has an explosive side. In fact, his next sponsorship deal could be with TNT.
The Oban man has his own way of describing his character. “Everyone knows that I'm like a kettle, always boiling away, ready to erupt,” he said. Remind the golf writers not to ask him to make us all a cup of tea.
On day one of the Genesis Scottish Open at the sun-soaked Renaissance, MacIntyre was in a relatively tranquil mood.
A three-under 67 to get his campaign underway was a sturdy start and left him with plenty to be positive about.
A good up-and-down on his last hole – the ninth – to save his par was a nice way to finish. The day didn’t start too well, mind you.
A three-putt bogey on his opening hole could’ve led to the kind of fearsome eruption they’re fearing at Yellowstone.
MacIntyre kept his cool, though, and a five-birdie round had him handily placed as he looks to recapture the Scottish Open crown he won in such thrilling fashion a couple of seasons ago.
In this teasing, tormenting pursuit, of course, keeping the heid has always been a valuable asset.
“100 per cent,” he replied when asked if things have improved on the mental side of his game.
“Everyone sees the professional life, not everyone sees the personal life,” added the world No 20.
“Look, I’m lucky. I’ve got a great family, great friends. It’s a small group and I love every one of them and trust them all.
“But, when things aren’t right, it’s a struggle when I’ve got to come out here and try and pretend that everything is alright. And it gets to a point where I am absolutely raging, can’t keep a lid on it and then it explodes, as you guys have all seen.
“I accept that when that happens, it doesn’t look pretty, it doesn’t look good. It’s not great for kids, it’s not great for anybody. But, at the end of the day, it’s my job.
“The way I am just now, I’ve had a week at home , played one round of golf, spent time with family and friends, life is good. I just enjoyed the week off and, when I can do that and balance life and golf, I feel like I can come out here to practice and prepare and it makes it easier on the golf course.”
MacIntyre’s well-documented, one-fingered salute during April’s Masters just about had him outlawed in the state of Georgia.
The mind gurus certainly earn their salt, and it remains a work in progress. “I work with someone,” he said of his sporting psychologist.
“We’ve been working with him for three years, since I realised I needed to speak to someone. I think we do a great job. I speak to him once or twice a week and can message whenever I want.”
There was peace of mind for MacIntyre after a good start. It could’ve been better, but that’s part of this game isn’t it? Golfers are always looking for something more.
“I’m happy enough,” he said. “There were a few times when I was out of position, mainly on par-fives, where I had to chip out to get myself back in position then took advantage of a nice wedge shot.
“And I didn’t hole as many putts as I would have hoped. I didn’t feel I had the pace of the greens at the start. But overall, a good round.”
Late on a lovely day, MacIntyre was joined on the three-under mark by his fellow Scot, Calum Hill.
The 31-year-old, a double winner on the DP World Tour, illuminated his round with a raking birdie putt on the 17th from over 40-feet. It was a nice surprise to see that one drop.
“I actually said to Stuart (Davidson, his caddie) ‘this is brutal’,” admitted Hill of a challenging putt that just about required a breather halfway to the hole.
“I thought it was really tough just to two-putt. But my pace had been good all day. I had a 32-footer that went in on nine and other chances I had on the front nine were there or thereabouts.”
With three tee-times still available at next week’s Open for the leading finishers not otherwise exempt here at the Renaissance, Hill has plenty to play for.
“That’s the goal (The Open),” added the Scot. “I want to play well enough to give myself a chance.”
He’s off to a good start.
