Robert MacIntyre reveals key driver switch behind Texas Open lead

Robert MacIntyre stormed into a commanding four-shot lead at the Valero Texas Open after a scintillating second-round 64 at TPC San Antonio — then revealed how a key equipment change has played a pivotal role in his charge.

The 29-year-old Scot moved to a venue-record 14-under-par through 36 holes on the Oaks Course, closing his round in style with four birdies across his final five holes to pull clear of the field.

MacIntyre has looked completely at ease in blustery Texas conditions, drawing clear parallels to the windy environments he regularly faces back home in Scotland. But while his ball-striking and composure have stood out, it is his performance off the tee that has been particularly impressive this week.

Speaking after his round, MacIntyre pointed to a recent move to the brand new Titleist GTS2 driver as a contributing factor behind his superb form — and the numbers underline that impact. He currently ranks inside the top 10 in the field for both Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and driving accuracy through 36 holes.

“Yeah, everything. I mean, I've been driving the ball nice. Got a new Titleist driver in the bag. Iron play today was exceptional I would say. Hit a pure wedge shot on 17, I thought it was absolutely dynamite there. Approach play, hitting the number, hitting the targets. Got to finish off with good putting. Overall, just really solid.”

He expanded further on the switch, adding: "I put the new Titleist TRS in the bag. It's very similar to my old driver but just newer model, technology I suppose. Yeah, spin's been very good, been able to shape it. To me a big thing's to be able to shape the golf ball especially when it's windy. Two rounds in with it, so far, so good."

MacIntyre's new Titleist GTS2 driver — replacing his previous TSR2 — is engineered for increased ball speed and forgiveness, featuring adjustable front weighting and a refined centre of gravity setup. 

Early signs suggest it is already paying dividends, particularly in the wind where MacIntyre’s ability to control flight and shape shots has stood out.

Hot on MacIntyre's heels entering the weekend is Ryder Cup teammate Ludvig Åberg, who sits alone in second at 10-under after posting back-to-back rounds of 67. The Swede produced one of the standout moments of the day with a sensational 120-yard hole-out eagle on the par-4 sixth.

Kevin Roy, Bud Cauley, Tony Finay and Thorbjorn Olesen round out the top five on 9-under par.

Elsewhere, England's Tommy Fleetwood remains in the chasing pack as a second-round 70 nudged him up to 7-under par.

The cut line came at 2-under par.

It meant a number of big names missed the weekend including Russell Henley (1-under), Sepp Straka (Par) and Rickie Fowler (1-over). 

MacIntyre now heads into the weekend in a strong position to claim his third PGA Tour title — and potentially make a slice of history in the process. 

Åberg is also looking to clinch his PGA Tour hat-trick of titles. 

Should MacIntyre go on to win the Texas Open on Sunday, it would incredibly mark the first time in PGA Tour history where left-handed golfers have won three years on the spin - Akshay Bhatia (2024), Brian Harman (2025).

The third round tee times will be earlier than scheduled as a result of bad weather in the area on Saturday. 

Check out the third round tee times for the Texas Open.

Take a look at the full Valero Texas Open leaderboard here