Scotland’s number one Robert MacIntyre believes he is a much improved golfer from the one who teed up at his first Open Championship at Royal Portrush in 2019.
That was MacIntyre’s debut appearance at a major and he finished sixth behind home favourite Shane Lowry.
Since then, the 29-year-old has become a top 20 player in the world rankings and heads into this week’s tournament after finishing third at the Scottish Open.
“In 2019, I felt like I was just being part of the tournament,” MacIntyre said. “I was making up the numbers. I was just seeing how well I could do in this event.
“Whereas now, I come here and I know that if I play well, I’ve got a chance to win.
“That’s all I’m trying to do. If I play the golf I know I can play, I’m going to have a chance to win come Sunday – and that’s the difference.
“In 2019, I didn’t know how good I was. I didn’t know how good I could be. I was just playing with zero expectation and had a good finish.
“Now there’s an expectation and demand on me, but it’s not pressure. I know if I play well, I’ll have a chance.”
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