DP World Tour pro: "Oak Hill is hardest golf course I've ever played in my life"

"It's plain and simple" - DP World Tour pro Robert MacIntyre adamant Oak Hill is the toughest golf course he's ever played.

Andy Roberts

16 May 2023

DP World Tour pro Robert MacIntyre believes this week's US PGA Championship test at Oak Hill is the "hardest golf course" he has ever played in his career.

MacIntyre, 26, admits he is feeling a lot better than when being forced out of the Italian Open through injury this month.

Only the prospect of 72 holes at Oak Hill strikes instant fear into him.

MacIntyre said:

"Obviously the body wasn't great in Italy, but it's really good now. It's feeling as good as it has in a while. The game is still decent, but again, it's going to be on a golf course that is an absolute monster.

He's not wrong. Oak Hill is a brute.

It's set up at 7,394 yards and it's a par-70.

The rough is juicy, too. Really juicy.

Winning score at Oak Hill? #USPGA
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The Donald J. Ross-designed course is set to play even longer this week with forecast cold, wet conditions.

MacIntyre continued:

"I have to be honest, it's as tough a golf course as I've ever played in my life, and I think the majority of people would say the same."

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The Scot added:

"It's just the rough. It's a great layout. It's long, it's tough, but the rough just makes it the hardest golf course I've ever played in my life.

"That's what it does. It's plain and simple.

"There's going to be lots of dropped shots. It's just about limiting them and taking your chances when they come along.

"There's not going to be a lot of chances, but there's going to be enough to keep it honest, and just play golf the way you know how to play golf.

"If you hit the shots you want to hit, if you hit them well, they'll go where you want them to go, it's just about damage limitations at times."

MacIntyre is currently on the outside looking in for a debut appearance in the European Ryder Cup side, but he knows a strong showing in the second major of the season this week will go a long way to impressing captain Luke Donald, who is also in the field.

"Obviously it's my main goal, but as I say all the time, if it happens, it happens.

"If it doesn't, it doesn't. It's not going to change the way I play golf, the way I live my life. I'm just going to be the same.

"But this week could be a good place to show your golf. This is as big a test of your golf that you'll ever get."

Donald gave his latest thoughts to the media ahead of the Ryder Cup, making it clear the door is still very much ajar for LIV Golf players in his team.

Will Bobby Mac make the European Ryder Cup team? What do you reckon the winning score will be at the US PGA this week? Share your thoughts and comments over on the GolfMagic social media channels.