Get ready for a battle of wills at Shinnecock Hills, where Scotland's Robert MacIntyre is set to face his ultimate test in pursuit of US Open redemption. Just 12 months on from that heart-wrenching near-miss at Oakmont, where JJ Spaun's stunning 64-foot putt cruelly denied MacIntyre a maiden major title, the Scot returns with a burning desire to make amends.
MacIntyre's inconsistent season has been a tale of two halves – or rather, two extremes. On one hand, he's produced some truly spectacular performances: a tie for fourth at The Players Championship and a share of second at the Valero Texas Open are major highlights. But on the other, there have been moments of frustration, like his missed cut at The Masters, where he reportedly showed signs of exasperation on the 15th green.
Just when it seemed MacIntyre's form was slumping irretrievably, he conjured a timely 15th-place finish at last week's Canadian Open. Four rounds in the 60s were a welcome sign that the spark is still there – and he'll need every ounce of it to tame the beast that is Shinnecock Hills. This Long Island course is renowned for its merciless examination of a golfer's game, particularly its diabolical greens.
Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, a keen observer of MacIntyre's career, believes the Scot's form dip may be down to personal adjustments rather than any fundamental issues with his golf game. McGinley pointed out that MacIntyre recently became a father and that "it's not derailed him, but it's an adjustment in your life." He expressed confidence that MacIntyre will adapt and regain his stride.
McGinley also thinks the unique characteristics of Shinnecock Hills could play to MacIntyre's strengths. The course's fast-running fairways and often breezy conditions are reminiscent of the links golf courses MacIntyre grew up on in Scotland. "He's a dogged competitor. He's got a huge heart... He loves the fight. I'm a huge admirer of his game," McGinley gushed, praising MacIntyre's prowess as a putter and his familiarity with links-style conditions.
While MacIntyre's driving accuracy ranks 46th on the PGA Tour this season, Shinnecock's wider fairways may actually work in his favour. World number one Scottie Scheffler noted during a scouting trip that "the fairways are quite generous" at Shinnecock – which could play right into MacIntyre's hands.