Bob MacIntyre makes major Ryder Cup move ahead of FedEx playoffs bid
In-line Bob MacIntyre has edged ever closer to an automatic Ryder Cup spot as he now heads into the pivotal FedEx Cup playoffs.
The Scottish star made his return to action at the Wyndham Championship after The Open and his four-under par total after another successful made cut in the United States landed him a tied-44th placed result at Sedgefield Country Club.
MacIntyre's efforts saw him slightly extend his advantage over third-placed Tommy Fleetwood in the European points standings with just three events remaining before the cut-off point.
Rory McIlroy has already secured his place in Luke Donald 's side for the clash against the United States at Bethpage at the end of next month. But the next five automatic slots are still open and MacIntyre sits directly behind the Grand Slam superstar in the list and is next in line to clinch one of the guaranteed places on offer for the team.
The Oban star's result in Greensboro nudged his points total to 1355.84 from 1345.44 with Fleetwood on 1314.61. At this point, Tyrrell Hatton, Shane Lowry and Sepp Straka occupy the other three remaining automatic spots with the chase heating up over the upcoming FedEx events.
Most notably movers in standings after Sedgefield were English pair Matt Fitzpatrick. The Sheffield star maintained his improved recent form with a Top 10 finish that saw him move up a spot to 12th in the standings as he hunts a fourth appearance in the Ryder Cup.
Rai, who is looking to make his debut for Europe, came fifth at the Wyndham in an impressive defence of the title he won in 2024 to go up two places to 12th.
Runaway tournament winner Cameron Young bagged the event to break his PGA Tour title duck and rocket into contention to make Keegan Bradley's USA side for the clash.
MacIntyre and many of his Euro colleagues now get set for the trio of FedEx Cup play-offs with the opening tournament coming at the FedEx St Jude Championship in Memphis.
McIlroy has opted not to take part, but the majority of Donald's team contenders will tee it up in the chase to be in the Top 50 in the FedEx standings at the end of the tournament and move onto the following week's BMW Championship in Maryland.
Should MacIntyre maintain his good form which has seen him secure two top 10 finishes in Majors this term, he is almost certain to be at the season-ending Tour Championship at East Lake in Atlanta on the weekend where the points list is finalised.
Donald's team will be completed with the captain making six wild-card picks at the end of this month and the squad will be together as a unit at Wentworth for the BMW PGA Championship at the start of next month as the skipper and his stars begin their final tune-up for the eagerly-anticipated encounter against Bradley's boys in New York.
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