Top Scot Bob MacIntyre may have won over US Ryder Cup fans – by hurling golf balls wrapped in $20 bills at them.
MacIntyre posted a frustrating final round 67 for a three-way share of sixth place at 15-under at the beer-fuelled WM Phoenix Open. But it was still is the Oban leftie’s best finish in 2025 and saw him jump three places and back to a career high of No.14 on the World Rankings.
MacIntyre had delighted each day the thousands packed into the stadium-like par-3 16th hole by wearing a No.16 Oban Celtic Shinty jersey, including gift-wrapping one shirt. However, he went a step further over the weekend in hurling President Andrew Jackson $20 wrapped golf balls into an appreciative, raucous crowd at the event that was won by fellow European Thomas Detry.
And it has whetted his appetite ahead of the Ryder Cup in New York in September. MacIntyre said: “This week has been a good test for when we get to Bethpage Park Black. It’s just been loud and has impressed“I was thrilled to be there at 18 as there’s not many European guys out here as when we are playing in Europe there is good camaraderie. We’ve got Matt (Wallace) here along with Ryan and Christiaan and the caddies, as well. Thomas has been close to winning a few times now, and it’s just incredible to see him get over the line”“I tried my best all week. You can either get overwhelmed by it or you can try and embrace it. It was carnage all week, to be honest (smiling).
“To see Thomas win is much the same for everyone, including myself when I won, and all you can do is trust your mind and trust your instincts.”
And Detry has certainly heralded his Ryder Cup quest while also revealing a possible key to future PGA success – an ice bath before tee-off He said: “I had an ice bath this morning, which was nice. I felt like this was kind of what I did yesterday morning, as well, and I felt like yesterday morning I actually felt pretty comfortable on the first tee and I did the exact same routine today, and I actually felt comfortable on the first tee. I didn’t really have any nerves. I felt like I had my full mind to it and I was just ready to play my own game and not try to chase something.”