“Tail Between My Legs” – Robert MacIntyre Opens Up About Regrettable Golf Decision
Robert MacIntyre has revealed one of the rash decisions he made a few years ago that left him with regrets. The World No. 14 said at the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open pre-tournament press conference that he made a decision back in 2023, and it didn’t end well..
McIntyre Reveals Wrong Decision He Took in 2023
MacIntyre had worked with English swing coach Simon Shanks for years. He played a key role in building his game, improving his swing, and helping him rise up the world rankings. But in mid-2023, MacIntyre decided to let Shanks go. At the time, MacIntyre believed he needed a change, as things didn’t feel right. His results weren’t meeting his expectations, and like many athletes under pressure, he thought switching things up might help.
“I have made one rash decision in the last, probably, four years, five years,” MacIntyre revealed. “That was when I was changing coach. Obviously I was working with Simon. Change again. Done it two weeks and I remember Simon saying, ‘I think you’re firing the wrong man.’ It was a breaking up the line while we were saying and he thought I didn’t hear it.”
The following weeks proved difficult. MacIntyre tried to adjust without Shanks. His performances dipped. His confidence suffered. And in just two weeks, he realized that Simon played a bigger role than he had given him credit for, and he quickly moved to fix his mistake.
“…And I phoned him two weeks later with my tail between my legs saying, ‘Simon, you’re right. Can I come back?’ And here we are still working together.”
The reunion brought immediate results. MacIntyre’s game improved. He climbed back into the world’s top 20. He won the Canadian Open and, most notably, triumphed at the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open in front of home fans. That win meant everything. And behind it stood the man he once fired.
McIntyre Admits He Made a Rash Decision on Simon
As MacIntyre prepares to defend his title at the Renaissance Club, the 28-year-old admits the decision was rash but says he has to live with it.
Robert MacIntyre reacts to his play on the 11th hole during the third round of the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY Sports
“That was a rash decision,” MacIntyre added. “But in the long-term stuff, no. Everything’s between me, Stoddy, Dell, the whole team around me. We sat down, we think about it, we look at stats, everything’s-that side of it is calculated and we just try and go with a decision and live by it.”
McIntyre is one of the favourites to win the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open but faces a fight to retain his crown from other top players, including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele, who are all keen to win the tournament.
Ajayi Segun is a dedicated sportswriter, with a passion for golf, basketball, and professional tournaments. With expertise in analyzing the PGA, LIV, NBA, WNBA, and global sporting events, he brings insightful perspectives to readers. His work focuses on capturing the essence of the games and the athletes who define them.
