Robert MacIntyre told PGA Tour decision 'betrays lack of ambition'

A tearful Robert MacIntyre told us he'd likely withdraw from this week's Memorial Tournament after clinching his maiden PGA Tour title last Sunday. 

And on Monday, his decision was made official with a 10-word statement from the official PGA Tour communications department. 

'Robert MacIntyre WD from the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday,' the statement read. 

In fact it should have read: 'Robert MacIntyre WD from the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday to go on a massive sesh in Oban'. 

NEW: Bob MacIntyre hits back at critics over his Memorial WD

In case you didn't know, the Memorial Tournament is kind of a big deal. 

Okay, so it's not a major, and it's not the flagship Players Championship. 

But it's hosted, annually, by none other than Jack Nicklaus at Muirfield Village. 

This year the stop has been given 'signature status', meaning there is a smaller field and more prize money than ever before. 

So it seems a tad peculiar that MacIntyre didn't want to delay his celebrations until at least the week after the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst. 

The Scot will likely tell you in interviews going forward that next on his bucket list is to win a major championship and defeat an elite field that includes the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy. 

But, some have argued, his chances of completing that feat are diminished if this is the type of decision he is willing to make. 

As one X user put it, could you imagine Tiger Woods in his pomp doing similar?

Absolutely not. 

'Withdrawing from the Memorial betrays lack of ambition,' another X user said. 

'Winning in Canada is a step up in a promising career, but it isn’t an elite PGA Tour event. 

'Winning one of those - eg the Memorial - should be Bob’s next target. Then a major. I’m disappointed by his choice this week."

Another wrote: 'I get he wants to go home and celebrate but man that's a big tournament and Jack's place!'

In fairness, others were supportive of his decision. 

As MacIntyre has alluded to, he has struggled with loneliness in his rookie season since moving to America. 

'Probably a smart move," one wrote. "Celebrate the emotional win and be fresh for the U.S. Open.'

In truth, there is only one person who likely won't change their mind about MacIntyre's decision to withdraw.

And that's Davis Thompson, who has replaced the Scot in the field via the Aon Swing 5. 

The Aon Swing 5 offers the in-form PGA Tour members a chance to tee it up in the lucrative events. 

Thompson most definitely owes MacIntyre a pint. 

What do you make of MacIntyre's decision? Let us know your thoughts on our social media channels.

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