European Ryder Cup star Robert MacIntyre has apologised for swearing on course at the Irish Open but insists he is “not gonna change” as a result of his fiery outburst at Royal County Down.
The Scotsman produced a remarkable run of five straight birdies on his way to a one-under 70 in his second round at the Mourne links, leaving him one-under-par for the tournament and four shots off the lead.
But before that, things were going really poorly for MacIntyre, who was four-over through his first seven holes and was finding the going very frustrating.
And that led to an outburst on the par-four 16th hole at Royal County Down, a poorly struck chip leading to an angry swipe of the club at the turf and a verbal tirade, too.
“I do this at least once a year,” wrote MacIntyre on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
“I am sorry for the swearing on course but guess what am not gonna change I play golf with heart and fight @IrishOpen_”
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Although it may have annoyed some fans, the telling off clearly worked for MacIntyre, who would go on to birdie his next five holes – the 17th and 18th before turning and adding shots at the first, second and third – to move himself back into contention.
His second round 70 has him on the bubble of contending, particularly if he can put together an impressive third round on Saturday, and it would be tough to back against him given he has already won on links this year at the Genesis Scottish Open.