Pro scolds himself for expensive photo of footballer: ‘Tournament costs me’

Pro popular Robert MacIntyre hopes to return to the winner’s circle in 2026 after falling short of a PGA Tour victory last year. He came close on Sunday, with a furious charge at the Sony Open title.

But according to MacIntyre, it was a costly shot and bad “attitude” that were responsible for him leaving Hawaii without a trophy in his trunk.

Robert MacIntyre’s charge on Sunday comes up short at the Sony Open

MacIntyre had his career breakthrough in 2024, when he earned his first two PGA Tour victories at the RBC Canadian Open and Genesis Scottish Open, The latter was particularly emotional for the Scottish professional.

Although he did not get a third Tour win in 2025, he did earn two runner-up finishes, included in the 2025 US Open. He also provided his own Fourth career DP World Tour win and played on his second European Ryder Cup winning team.

As a result, he began the 2026 season at No. 7 in the Official World Golf Ranking. And thanks to a superb final round on Sunday, MacIntyre nearly ended his PGA Tour winless drought in his first start of the year.

Starting Sunday’s final round at the Sony Open seven shots back, MacIntyre rattled off birdie after birdie as he climbed the leaderboard. With a birdie at the end, he finished with a seven-under 63, the lowest round of the day.

Unfortunately it was not enough. Chris Gotterup nearly matched MacIntyre’s score to run away with the win at 16 under, dropping MacIntyre in a T4 conclusion.

But in his post-round interviewMacIntyre revealed the real villain that cost him a chance at victory: his Friday shot.

Robert MacIntyre explains how it cost him dearly at the Sony Open

“It was a great round of golf, to be honest. After about 12 holes, I felt like I should have been nine under par,” MacIntyre said of his final round.

He continued, “Rolling pretty, actually…”

Then he stopped, interrupting his thought as a smile broke across his face. Then came an admission.

MacIntyre revealed that in a moment of anger during Friday’s second round, he had snapped his putter. The immediate result was a costly bogey on the next hole.

“I don’t know if it’s a good thing to say, but I hit 17 on Friday afternoon, I missed a 3-footer on 18 on Friday afternoon. So doing that cost me a shot,” MacIntyre explained.

He went on to argue that it was his bad “attitude” that led to the putt and it didn’t just cost him a shot, but ultimately “cost me this golf tournament.”

“It’s a big, big reminder to me that the posture has to be right for 72 holes, not just 36. Because at the end of the day my posture cost me this golf tournament,” MacIntyre said, “and I can’t afford that.”

In other words, one or two great rounds won’t get you a win on the PGA Tour, you need a consistent effort throughout the tournament to have any chance.

“You have to be in the right position at the right time to let a round like today finish it,” MacIntyre said, concluding his thought, “So I’m a little disappointed overall, but a great round of golf.”

It’s not all bad news for Bobby Mac. His T4 finish at the Sony Open improved his world ranking to No. 6. He also gave him a check for $409,500.