US PGA Championship: Robert MacIntyre inspired by Scotland trip

Robert MacIntyre revealed a return home to Scotland brought out the form that saw him shoot an impressive five under par on day one of the US PGA Championship.

The 27-year-old finished his round tied with Rory McIlroy, four shots behind early leader Xander Schauffele, as the action got under way at Valhalla.

The Oban golfer said a return home was a key factor in him picking up his game in recent weeks after struggling with life in America.

“To be honest, I think it was spending some time back at home in Scotland,” he said after his round.

“It’s no secret I’ve been living in America. It’s been tough. It’s not like Oban. When I go back home, it’s a lot of friends and family you get to spend time with – everyone that’s close to me and really cares for me.

“When I’m in America, it’s just me, my girlfriend, and we’re trying to live as good a life as we can. But it’s difficult when we’re both so close to family and friends.

“I got three weeks at home there and hardly touched the golf clubs, done some stupid stuff and just enjoyed myself.”

MacIntyre has brought a little touch of home with him to Kentucky for this week’s tournament after his mother flew out to join his team.

“She’s cooking and cleaning for my whole team – I’m having too many cakes and desserts this week,” he said.

“But we’re having a good time. When I can be around friends, family, people closest to me, people that actually care about me, they speak to me as Bob the human rather than Bob the golfer.

“I think that’s when I’m at my happiest, when I’m not talking about golf, golf, golf. Life is actually more important than what I’m doing out here.”