Robert MacIntyre Reflects on Round with Hideki Matsuyama

Robert MacIntyre has reflected on what it was like to play alongside Hideki Matsuyama during the second round of the BMW Championship. The 29-year-old described how the Japanese star’s consistency helped him stay calm and confident on the course. The Scot currently leads the BMW Championship, putting on impressive displays to race into a five-shot lead over his nearest challenger, Scottie Scheffler.

MacIntyre Says Matsuyama Make It “Far Easier”

MacIntyre produced another superb performance on Friday at Caves Valley Golf Club, following up his opening 62 with a round of 64 to reach 14-under-par. That gave him a five-shot lead over world number one Scottie Scheffler heading into the weekend. The Scot admitted that having Matsuyama as a playing partner made the day more enjoyable and, importantly, easier to manage. Both men played excellent golf, each signing for a 64, and the rhythm between them was noticeable.

“Yeah, you are, and it’s good when you’re kind of, good shot, good shot, back and forth. It’s always good when your playing partner is playing well and you’re not seeing wild shots, you’re seeing good shots,” MacIntyre said when asked if it helps to have a partner playing well. “If he’s going before you, he’s hitting the fairway, hitting the greens, so you get to see good shots. It makes it far easier when you’re trying to execute something yourself. Yeah, when you see something good happening before you, it frees you up a little bit.”

That sense of flow carried throughout the round. The pair combined for birdies on several holes, and their steady pace seemed to feed into each other’s game. In a sport where confidence and rhythm can shift quickly, MacIntyre valued the stability of having a player like Matsuyama alongside him.

Matsuyama In The Mix As MacIntyre Eye Third PGA Tour Win

Matsuyama has also been quietly impressive this week. The 33-year-old is yet to drop a single shot through 36 holes. His bogey-free rounds of 69 and 64 have him at seven-under-par, still within striking distance of the leaders. He is also in the mix to win but is seven shots behind MacIntyre despite a brilliant second round of 64.