Back-to-back major top-10s reinforce Robert MacIntyre’s belief he can win one

Back-to-back major top-10s have reinforced Robert MacIntyre’s belief he can win one of golf’s premier events.

Last month he was denied the chance to win the US Open by a monster putt from JJ Spaun at the final hole but his return to Royal Portrush – where he made his major debut in 2019 – and a joint-seventh finish boosted his confidence.

“I know I’ve got the game. I feel like it’s a matter of time if I just keep piecing it all together,” he said after shooting 67 to get to 10 under.

“I was coming out here trying to win the golf tournament but I knew I was too far back going into today. It was just jockeying for position, picking up a couple whenever you can.

“But I’m a far better-equipped golfer (than 2019). For me, looking now, it’s been a great performance, a good result.

“It’s another kind of reassurance that I’m in the right place.”

MacIntyre is now looking to cement his place on the Ryder Cup team having been a member of the victorious European side in Rome two years ago.

“I thought after the US Open it might be done but I’ve got three more tournaments before the deadline and I want to qualify automatically,” he added.