Ryder Cup star wants to 'go and smash up my golf clubs' after collapse lets win slip

Robert MacIntyre was fighting the urge to “smash up” his golf clubs after his collapse at the BMW Championship. The Scot had put together a four-shot overnight lead in Maryland to put himself in position for a third PGA Tour victory.

But he endured a poor start having opened up with consecutive bogies, while he also dropped a further shot on the fifth hole. That opened the door to Scottie Scheffler, who was ahead by the seventh and eventually finished two clear.

MacIntyre understandably struggled to keep his frustrations in check following his collapse, so much so that he wanted to damage his own equipment. Speaking after his round, he said: “I got off to an absolutely horrific start.

"I felt great going out today. I wasn't even expecting to be over par, to be honest. I was really expecting to go out there, foot down, and perform the way I have been the last couple of days.

"My golf ball was going miles. I don't know why. I need to work that out. I feel I've hit good shots, and I've gone miles."

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Asked what went wrong for him in Maryland, he was stuck for ideas. He added: "Right now, not a clue. Right now I want to go and smash up my golf clubs, to be honest with you."

Despite his late collapse, MacIntyre’s performance was still good enough to seal him a spot at next month’s Ryder Cup, as well as a prize fund of £1.6m. He will join Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood on Team Europe.

Meanwhile, Scheffler’s place has also been confirmed. He will play alongside J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Bryson DeChambeau and Harris English for the USA.

Who will win next month's Ryder Cup? Share your predictions in the comments below

Success in Maryland represented the 18th PGA Tour win of his career so far - no doubt helped by a stunning chip on the 17th hole. Asked how he has become so consistent, the world number one said: “I think it has a lot to do with the intensity that I bring to each round,”

“I try not to take days off. I try not to take shots off. When it gets to this time of the year it can be a little bit tiring. Today was a grind, and I think it just has a lot to do with the intensity I bring to each round and each shot.”

The 45th Ryder Cup is due to get underway on September 26 at Bethpage Black in New York. Team Europe head into the latest edition as holders, having won 16 ½ to 11 ½ two years ago in Italy captained by Luke Donald.

Team USA have however won each of the last two editions on American soil, with Europe’s last success coming back in 2012.

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