Bob MacIntyre has made his feelings clear about Rory McIlroy after the Northern Irishman showed his class with a warm-hearted message at the Canadian Open.
McIlroy was chasing overnight leader MacIntyre at Hamilton Golf and Country Club last week, but after coming up short the four-time major champion had some kind words for the Scotsman, who was closing in on his first PGA Tour win.
McIntyre has been open about his struggles adjusting to life in America and on the PGA Tour after graduating from the DP World Tour last season. "I can absolutely understand, McIlroy told CBS. "It's a big culture shock compared to the place where he grew up in Oban.
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"You know, travelling around America, it's a different world. Some people adapt a little quicker than others. Everyone has to try to find their right rhythm. It looks like Bob's still figuring that out. It would be great to see him hang on and get that first PGA Tour win."
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McIntyre held his nerve, proving too good for the chasing pack as he edged out Ben Griffin by one stroke. And the 27-year-old made clear the impact McIlroy has had on his career, from inspiring him as a youngster to becoming a friend and a Ryder Cup teammate.
"He's been someone that I've looked up to for years," MacIntyre said. "Obviously, when I was I was still an amateur, I was watching him win majors, win PGA Tour events, win European Tour events.
MacIntyre claimed his first PGA Tour win in Canada (Getty)"He was unbelievable and he still is. He is one of the best, if not the best of our generation. And he's someone that I feel like I could pick up the phone to and he's, he's open and honest with me and he'll help me. And to me, he’s just been an all-round, good guy to me and I just treat him like a friend rather than a work colleague or something. I just try and treat everyone the same and he's no different.
"I sat with him and Shane [Lowry] before they went out on the Sunday at the Zurich [Classic of New Orleans]. And they would both just ask me about how I was finding life in Orlando, and we're open and honest about it. He just it speaks to me and asks me life questions rather than golf questions."
MacIntyre decided to skip the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village this week, prioritising time at home with his family and his preparation for the US Open, which tees off at Pinehurst No. 2 on Thursday. Despite entering the tournament off the back off his maiden PGA Tour win, he will not change his approach in North Carolina.
"It's a major, it's a massive event, but for me, I try to treat it as another golf tournament," he said. "Obviously, I've been working hard on the fundamental side of the game and trying to let the outcome be the outcome and not try and win golf tournaments.
"[I] try and do everything that you can do that'll lead to winning golf tournaments, which I did last week and my job next week is to go out there and play golf and try to get into a position coming into the Sunday. Who knows where the cards fall?"
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