MacIntyre Shoots 82, Then Vanishes: WD Before Round 2 in Memphis
Robert MacIntyre Withdraws from FedEx St. Jude Championship After Knee Injury
What Happened in Memphis?
Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre pulled out of the FedEx St. Jude Championship before his second round even started. The PGA Tour announced he withdrew because of a knee injury. This happened on Friday in Memphis, Tennessee, at a course called TPC Southwind.
The Really Tough First Round
MacIntyre had a day he’d probably like to forget on Thursday. Here’s how bad it was:
- Score: 12-over par 82 (that’s 12 shots worse than a pro expects to shoot)
- Worst round of his entire PGA Tour career
- Finished last in the entire field — 8 shots behind the next worst player
The Hole-by-Hole Breakdown
| Hole | What Happened |
|---|---|
| No. 4 | Double bogey (2 shots over par) |
| No. 6 | Triple bogey (3 shots over par — ouch!) |
| No. 15 | Double bogey |
| No. 16 | Only bright spot: Birdie (1 shot under par) |
| No. 18 | Double bogey |
ELI5: What are bogeys?
- Par = the number of shots a good golfer should take on a hole
- Birdie = 1 shot better than par (great!)
- Bogey = 1 shot worse than par (not great)
- Double bogey = 2 shots worse than par
- Triple bogey = 3 shots worse than par (really rough)
Why Did He Withdraw?
There were two big factors:
- Knee Injury — MacIntyre didn’t say which knee, but it was bothering him enough to stop playing
- Extreme Heat — The heat index (what it feels like with humidity) soared above 100°F on Thursday
IMPORTANT POINT
Playing 18 holes of golf in 100°F+ heat is exhausting even when you’re healthy. Doing it with a knee injury? Nearly impossible. The heat almost certainly made the injury worse.
What This Means for His Season
Here’s where things get interesting for MacIntyre’s playoff hopes:
Good News: He’s Safe for Next Week
- Currently 31st on the FedExCup points list
- That means he automatically qualifies for next week’s BMW Championship (the second playoff event)
Bad News: Tour Championship in Jeopardy
- Only the top 30 make the Tour Championship (the final, big-money playoff event)
- After this terrible round, he’s projected to fall to 36th
- He’s made the Tour Championship the last two years in a row — now that streak is in danger
Quick Recap: The Playoff Structure (ELI5 Version)
Think of the PGA Tour playoffs like a tournament within a tournament:
- FedEx St. Jude Championship (this week) → Top 50 advance
- BMW Championship (next week) → Top 30 advance
- Tour Championship (final week) → Winner gets $25 million!
MacIntyre is in for #2, but needs a good week to reach #3.
What Happens to His Tee Time?
MacIntyre was supposed to tee off at 12:55 p.m. ET Friday alongside J.T. Poston. Since MacIntyre withdrew:
- Poston will play alone (called "playing as a single")
- This is actually faster — no waiting for a partner!
Summary
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Who | Robert MacIntyre (Scotland) |
| What | Withdrew before Round 2 |
| Why | Knee injury + extreme heat (100°F+) |
| Round 1 Score | 82 (12-over, worst of career) |
| Standing After Round 1 | Last place, 8 shots back |
| FedExCup Rank | 31st (safe for BMW Championship) |
| Tour Championship Risk | Projected to fall to 36th (top 30 only) |
| Partner Affected | J.T. Poston now plays as a single |
FAQ
What is the FedExCup?
It’s the PGA Tour’s season-long points race. Players earn points all year. The top 50 make the playoffs. The top 30 make the Tour Championship. The winner gets $25 million.
Why does heat index matter?
Heat index combines temperature + humidity. At 100°F+, your body struggles to cool itself. Golfers walk 5–6 miles carrying clubs. It’s dangerous if you’re not careful — especially with an injury.
Can MacIntyre still make the Tour Championship?
Yes, but it’s tough. He needs a great week at the BMW Championship to jump back into the top 30. He’s done it before (two years running), so don’t count him out!
What does "playing as a single" mean?
J.T. Poston will play by himself — no partner. This is allowed when someone withdraws. It’s actually faster since there’s only one ball to watch.
When is the BMW Championship?
Next week — it’s the second of three playoff events. MacIntyre is already qualified since he’s 31st on the points list.
Want to follow the rest of the playoff action? Check out the Round 2 tee times and pairings for Friday’s coverage!