BOB MacINTYRE can’t wait to end his Masters exile and chase a Green Jacket.
The reigning Scottish Open champ made back-to-back cuts at Augusta National in 2022 and 2023 but hasn’t qualified since.
The Oban lefty, 28, admits it stung watching the action on TV last year.
But he’s back this time around and comes into the event 17th in the world rankings – and as Scotland‘s only hope of victory.
He ended 2024 having scooped a cool £4m on the PGA Tour circuit, with his wins at the Scottish Open and Canadian Open contributing around £2.5m to the bank account.
The Scot is determined to make up for lost time at Augusta though when he tees off next week.
MacIntyre said: “It’s not been nice when it’s your favourite place.
“But it makes you work harder at it and it makes you focus more when you’re on the golf course.
“Obviously the two wins last year have made this happen.
“I just can’t wait to get back to be honest.”
Having finished tied for 12th on his debut, making a tournament high 21 birdies in the process, MacIntyre is convinced his game is built to succeed at the esteemed Georgia venue.
Fellow lefties Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson won five Green Jackets between them from 2006 and 2014.
MacIntyre said: “I think it’s just the shot shape and having to move it both ways.
“I predominantly fade it for a left-hander, which with the modern equipment is a lot easier.
“The tougher holes and a few of the funky holes set up nicely for a lefty for a mishit.
“To do that [make 21 birdies] at your first Masters isn’t normal.
“So you know you can do that.
“You just have to go and minimise the mistakes, make the same amount of birdies and you’ll be there or thereabouts.”
Having made the cut on each of his first ten Major starts, MacIntyre’s confidence on the big stage isn’t misplaced.
He also revealed he’s been picking the brains of legendary fellow Scot and 1988 Masters champ Sandy Lyle for tips ahead of his trip back up Magnolia Lane.
MacIntyre told the DP World Tour website: “He always told me about certain shots.
“I message him quite often to be honest and have learned a lot.
“You have got to learn from these people that have done it before.”
Phil Mickelson won three Green Jackets as a left hander like MacIntyre[/caption]
The Scot also picked the brains of compatriot Sandy Lyle, who won at Augusta in 1988[/caption]
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