Robert MacIntyre insists his decision to withdraw from the Memorial Tournament is a reflection of his ambitions rather than a disrespect to tournament organizer Jack Nicklaus.
McIntyre won the RBC Open on Sunday to secure his spot in one of the PGA Tour's signature events, which is broadcast live on Sky Sports and features 28 of the world's top 30 players with a $20m (£15.7m) purse.
The Scot has played six tournaments in a row and with the US Open next week, McIntyre chose to return to the UK for a few days before crossing the Atlantic for the third major of the year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Jamie Spence told the Sky Sports Golf Podcast that he thinks Robert MacIntyre should get a permanent caddie rather than continue to have his father Doug help him around.
“When I did my press conference last week, I miscalculated how many matches I had fought. It was actually Week 6 (not Week 5),” McIntyre said on a media conference call. “It's been a great six weeks.”
“I’ve had two top-10s and in Myrtle Beach I had a chance to get in the top 15. Those six weeks of racing got me really high mentally, and last week’s win obviously got me even more excited.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Jamie Spence and Alex Perry heaped praise on Robert McIntyre and his family on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast following McIntyre's maiden PGA Tour win
“If I play the Memorial, the U.S. Open and the Travelers, that’s nine weeks in a row. Not many players can play nine weeks in a row, except maybe a crazy guy like me. There’s no disrespect in pulling out of the Jack Nicklaus Tournament, given everything that’s going on.
“It was absolutely true for me that after having a chance to win at Myrtle Beach and a narrow win at the PGA, I thought winning for the fifth straight week at Colonial was a long shot.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Robert McIntyre likely wouldn't have won the Canadian Open without the help of his father, Doug McIntyre, says Simon Holmes of Sky Sports
“There was so much going on and I felt like I should take a week off. It could have been any tournament. Yes, I know it's a high-level tournament and the tickets are 20 million or more. But doesn't getting ready for the U.S. Open show that you have ambition? It's up to you.”
McIntyre: Dad gets more messages than I do!
After his win, McIntyre embraced his father, Dougie, who was called in on short notice to caddy, as the world No. 39 wanted to celebrate the win with his family rather than immediately tee it up again on the PGA Tour.
Live stream the U.S. Open Golf Championship
Thursday, June 13, 12:30 p.m.
“I’d never throw a proper party,” McIntyre added. “I’d definitely have a few drinks with friends on the weekends, probably at home.”
“I had just done something special with my dad and my family, and I just wanted to go home and spend time with the people in my life who really matter.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Robert MacIntyre and his caddie father break down in tears after winning his first PGA Tour title at the Canadian Open
“Yes, I am a great golfer. Yes, I won a golf tournament that meant a lot to me and everyone around me, but let's go home and celebrate with the people in our lives who really matter.
“It’s obviously a special bag and it’s signed by my dad, who I think probably gets more messages than me!”
Watch Robert McIntyre in action at the US Open live on Sky Sports Golf on Thursday, June 13 at 12:30pm. Watch the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, Majors and more with NOW.
