Robert MacIntyre eyes spot on 2025 Ryder Cup team as Europe aim to retain trophy

SINGAPORE – A booze-fuelled bus ride accompanied by a medley of chants and anthems was what the 2023 Ryder Cup-winning European team were treated to as they made their way back from Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome to their hotel.

It is a memory that remains seared in Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre’s mind in a special victory for Team Europe, who beat the United States 16½-11½ to reclaim the trophy.

Having had a taste of competing at the prestigious event, the two-time PGA Tour winner is eyeing a return for the 2025 edition, which will take place at the Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York, from Sept 26 to 28.

The top six players on the Ryder Cup points list will automatically qualify and they will be joined by another six captain’s picks. MacIntyre currently sits 12th in the rankings, with qualification set to end in late August, while world No. 2 Rory McIlroy leads the standings.

“The celebration from leaving Marco Simone, getting back to the hotel, you only get that playing team sports,” said the 28-year-old, who was undefeated in 2023, contributing two-and-a-half points from three matches.

“Winning individual stuff is special, I’ve won special events, managed to have nice celebrations, but that one in Rome, it was more than just the guys and the team, it was more than just the vice-captains and captains, it felt like a whole tour win, it was special.”

MacIntyre, who is in town for the March 20-23 Porsche Singapore Classic at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club, was speaking at a press conference on March 19.

The world No. 14 is headlining the field at the US$2.5 million (S$3.3 million) event that also includes 2016 PGA Championship winner Jimmy Walker and three-time Ryder Cup champion Paul Casey.

While MacIntyre’s focus this week is on the Singapore tournament, he is also keen to see how his Ryder Cup teammate McIlroy will do at the upcoming Major, the April 10-13 Masters.

The Ulsterman’s recent form has led to MacIntyre naming him as one of the favourites to claim his first Green Jacket and complete the Grand Slam in Augusta.

Four-time Major winner McIlroy has been in imperious form this season, winning two of the five events he has played in, including the Players Championship on March 17.

“I’m trying to beat him as bad as everyone else in the field – we chat about life and schedules and what not – but the guy is one of the best players to ever play a game, especially from Europe,” said MacIntyre.

“I’ve looked up to him for many years, he’s going to be one of the favourites playing the Masters because he’s won so much, so many big events leading up to it... obviously going into the Masters, the pressure is going to be on him because it’s the only one he’s missing right now.”

Over at the Laguna National on March 19, torrential rains forced the cancellation of the Porsche Singapore Classic’s pro-am event.

The National Environment Agency had earlier warned about a monsoon surge from March 19 to 21, which could bring temperatures to as low as 22 deg C amid periods of moderate to heavy showers.

A DP World Tour spokesperson said that it will “continue to monitor conditions ahead of round one”, which begins on March 20.

Former world No. 3 Casey said: “To be here in Singapore, it’s a great golf course and a challenge for us this week. I cross my fingers like everyone else that the weather picks up, which will be enjoyable for us and make it enjoyable for the fans that will come out and support us this week.”

Brayden Lee, Singapore’s sole representative, is looking forward to playing in his maiden DP World Tour event.

The 17-year-old said: “It’s going to be a pretty exciting week for me... I’m just trying to soak it all up and enjoy my week and I have been so far.”