Robert MacIntyre is feeling as good about his game as he ever has as he aims to maintain momentum on his return to the DP World Tour at the Porsche Singapore Classic.
From Orlando to Singapore via a pitstop in Dubai, with the journey time totalling almost 23 hours, the Scot arrives at Laguna National on a high after finishing ninth at THE PLAYERS on the PGA TOUR last week.
The top ten – his second of the year – at TPC Sawgrass has given MacIntyre reason to be upbeat as he concludes a three-week tournament stretch that began earlier this month at Bay Hill for the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
“It's been good. It's not been spectacular, but last week was probably the first time (this year) that I felt like I had a chance to win a golf tournament," said MacIntyre of his form so far this season.
MacIntyre enjoyed a whirlwind rookie rookie campaign on the PGA TOUR last year, winning the RBC Canadian Open and then on home soil the co-sanctioned Genesis Scottish Open.
Expectations have since only grown, but the 28-year-old is happy with how he has coped as an established figure in the top 20 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
“I’m as prepared as ever," he said as he goes in search of his fourth DP World Tour title.
"My game has been in as good shape as it has ever been from driving all the way down to putting."
READ MORE
• Porsche Singapore Classic: Five things to know
• Kiradech Aphibarnrat chasing distance to keep up with young stars in Singapore
• Porsche Singapore Classic: Fantasy DP World Tour ones to watch
• Asian Swing: All you need to know
Back at a career-high 14th in the Official World Golf Ranking, MacIntyre is one of the star attractions this week as the Asian Swing begins on the DP World Tour.
With just two weeks to go until the Masters, attention is inevitably beginning to turn to the first Major of the season at Augusta National.
"The mental side of it, I think I am ready to give myself a chance at a Major," he added. "That is all I can ask for.
"You dream of winning golf tournaments, dream of winning Majors but you just want chances of winning these events. If you get in that position, just go for it, that’s how I play golf."
Due to inclement weather limiting play in Wednesday’s Pro-Am, with heavy rain expected over Thursday and Friday, MacIntyre has only managed to play a few holes in practice but he is well aware of the challenge the course poses having played in the inaugural edition of the Porsche Singapore Classic in 2023.
"There are a couple of holes that you just do not want to make a disaster," he said.
"The one that sticks in my mind is the ninth, a long par four. The ball, for me, is always above my feet, for a righty below their feet.
"It’s normally a five or six iron into wind and water on the right-hand side. It is a hole you go, if I can play this in four and a half for the week it is not a disaster.
"I thought 17 at Sawgrass was difficult but 185 yards [with water in sight], a disaster is waiting. It's a tough, tough test, especially when the wind gets up. With undulating fairways, it causes carnage on certain holes.
"I’m just looking forward to getting out there. Hopefully the weather's not too bad the next couple of days, and we can go out there and compete.
"I love coming back to Singapore. I think the golf course is brilliant. I’m just looking forward to getting going."
And while it was not something he was unfamiliar with beforehand, long-haul travel is something MacIntyre is embracing as he becomes evermore accustomed to it as a dual member.
“I had a trip similar to it at the start of the year to Dubai from Hawaii, so I think it's that much of a time difference that I will be alright for the week," said MacIntyre, who will return to Scotland from Singapore after the event before fine-tuning his preparations for the Masters.
"It's a long flight, but it's part of our job, part of the schedule."
