Robert MacIntyre found himself in the spotlight during the third round of the BMW Championship, where the crowd’s support for rival Scottie Scheffler became apparent. After sinking an 8-foot par putt, MacIntyre turned to the audience, fist-pumped, and shushed a heckler, showcasing his resilience amidst the cheering for Scheffler.
Following the round, he remarked on being prepared for this intensity, stating, “I expected to be in this situation… I thought I played great.” With a knack for handling pressure, MacIntyre navigated tricky spots, including a challenging shot behind the fifth green that he executed to perfection, ultimately saving par.
His overall performance was notable, finishing the round with a 2-under 68, granting him a four-shot lead over Scheffler, who had just ended a 37-hole bogey-free streak. MacIntyre expressed that every shot mattered equally, reinforcing his focus as they headed into the final day of the tournament.
Scheffler acknowledged the crowd’s favour but kept his composure, recalling past tense situations he had faced with rowdy fans. He underscored the need for spectators to maintain decorum, noting how distractions could only serve to energise his competitors.
Emerging competitor, Ludvig Åberg, shot a 68 to place himself in third, trailing MacIntyre by six shots. The BMW Championship is critical as it determines which players advance to the Tour Championship, adding to the tournament’s intensity.
Among the other standout performances, Akshay Bhatia made headlines with a hole-in-one on the 17th, along with an eagle on the seventh hole, which propelled him into contention for a top-30 spot in the FedEx Cup standings. English golfer Harry Hall tied for fourth with Sam Burns after carding consecutive 67s, emphasising the need to remain present and focused.
Rickie Fowler, who narrowly qualified for the tournament, also made strides towards breaking into the top 30 with a solid 67. He expressed the simpleness of his approach—focusing on hitting fairways and improving his iron play.
Despite the pressure surrounding him, MacIntyre remained steadfast, securing crucial par putts and finishing off with a remarkable 40-foot birdie, celebrating with enthusiasm. As the tournament nears its climax, all eyes are on MacIntyre as he aims to maintain his advantage and deliver an impressive performance.