Colin Montgomerie, a legend of European golf, has a simple message for fellow Scot Robert MacIntyre as he chases his first major title: patience.
Fresh off a runner-up finish at last year's US Open at Oakmont, MacIntyre arrived at this week's US PGA Championship in Pennsylvania with plenty of momentum—but also some recent struggles. The 29-year-old world number 12 missed the cut at the Masters last month, and his on-course frustrations at Augusta drew unwanted attention. A middle-finger gesture toward the 15th green, slamming his club after a poor shot on 17, and repeated swearing picked up by microphones left many questioning his composure under pressure.
Enter Montgomerie, the eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner. Speaking from Aberdeen, where he was promoting this summer's Staysure PGA Seniors Championship, Montgomerie offered some veteran wisdom.
"It is the way he is," Montgomerie said. "There is fire in his belly, and he wants to be good—to better himself and win. That's important. But at the same time, that fire can force things. And forcing it, especially at Augusta or these majors where it is the ultimate test, is very difficult."
"If I am giving him any advice at all—and who am I to give advice?—I would love to say to him, 'Just let it happen. Let it breathe. Be patient and let it happen.' I am sure if he does that, success will come."
MacIntyre's talent is undeniable. His game is built on a strong short game—chipping and putting that can win championships. And after coming so close at Oakmont, where he was just a putt away from glory, the pressure to deliver is real. But Montgomerie believes that pressure may be working against him.
"After his fantastic performance at the US Open last year, I think he is probably trying a little bit too hard," Montgomerie added. "If he can just let it happen and let that talent shine through, he has every opportunity of winning a major. That would be great for Scottish and European golf."
MacIntyre has acknowledged his fiery temperament is "part of who I am," but as he steps onto the tee at the PGA Championship, the question is whether he can channel that fire—or let it go, and let success find him.