Scotland's Robert MacIntyre has brushed off criticism of his conduct at the Masters, though he acknowledges the need to better manage his emotions on the course.
Returning to PGA Tour action at the RBC Heritage, MacIntyre carded an impressive five-under 66 in the opening round, just three strokes behind leader Ludvig Aberg. This strong performance comes after a disappointing Masters where he missed the cut following rounds of 80 and 71.
During the tournament at Augusta National, the 29-year-old from Oban drew attention for several emotional outbursts. After making a quadruple bogey on the 15th hole, he directed a middle-finger gesture toward the green. Later, on the 17th, he slammed his club into the ground after a poor shot. On-course microphones also picked up repeated swearing.
Adding to the controversy, MacIntyre posted a mocked-up image on Instagram featuring a gnome resembling himself with an extended middle finger. According to reports from the Press Association, Augusta National officials reprimanded the Ryder Cup winner for his actions.
"I know what I did isn't the best way of me doing things, but I wear my heart on my sleeve," MacIntyre told Sky Sports. "I'm trying my best to control the emotions—I work with someone back home. There was a lot going on and I'm disappointed with that."
Despite the scrutiny, MacIntyre remains unfazed by external opinions. "I'm very good at putting things behind me," he stated. "Things that get said elsewhere don't faze me."
While stopping short of a formal apology, the golfer emphasized that he relies on his inner circle for guidance. "I've got my family, friends and team—they are the ones I really listen to," MacIntyre explained. "If I've done something wrong, they'll tell me. That's how I go about life. I just do what I want, how we want."
Reflecting on his performance at Harbour Town, MacIntyre expressed satisfaction with his current form. "Coming off last week, a disappointing performance, to come into this week I was comfortable with the golf course, comfortable with my game," he said. "I tried to put as much of last week behind me as I could. I'm driving it beautifully off the tee."
With six birdies and just one bogey in his opening round, MacIntyre appears poised to contend as he seeks his third PGA Tour victory, demonstrating resilience in the face of recent criticism.