3<\/p>\n Bob MacIntyre in action at the Travelers Championship in ConnecticutCredit: Alamy 3<\/p>\n The Scot was supposed to be one of the Featured Groups at the eventCredit: Getty 3<\/p>\n But he and his playing partner were pulled from the live coverageCredit: Getty<\/p>\n The Scot finished runner-up after thriving while others struggled at Oakmont at the weekend, only just pipped at the post by some brilliance from JJ Spaun<\/a>.<\/p>\n It was MacIntyre<\/a>‘s best finish in a major championship and he’s now determined to ensure he doesn’t wait too long before getting his hands on one of golf<\/a>‘s biggest prizes.<\/p>\n He gained an army of new fans for his reaction to Spaun’s winning moment<\/a> but he and the rest of the golf world’s focus turns back to the regular PGA Tour this week, with many of the sport’s top stars in action at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut.<\/p>\n The eighth (and final) Signature Event on the PGA Tour, a total purse of $20million (\u00a314.8m) is up for grabs for the 72 players taking part.<\/p>\n MacIntyre, 28, rose to 12th in the world rankings after his efforts in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n Also in contention late on last week was Viktor Hovland<\/a>, one of MacIntyre’s Ryder Cup<\/a> team mates.<\/p>\n They were selected to be paired together for their first round at the Travelers and earlier this week were announced as one of the featured groups at the elevated event, meaning they would be the one of the main focuses of the broadcast.<\/p>\n But just hours before they were due to tee off they were DROPPED by the broadcaster, ESPN.<\/p>\n On the morning of the first round, ESPN decided that they would pull the European duo in favour of American world number 94 Max Homa<\/a> and 2015 PGA Championship<\/a> winner Jason Day<\/a>.<\/p>\n Fans on social media speculated that the decision was made purely so that ESPN could feature another United States player in their coverage.<\/p>\n Tearful JJ Spaun sinks monster putt on final hole as 120\/1 underdog pips Robert MacIntyre to US Open crown at Oakmont<\/p>\n This fan said: “Of course they are, [MacIntyre and Hovland] aren\u2019t American.”<\/p>\n A second said: “They\u2019d cover the 500th ranked American before a European.”<\/p>\n And another said: “That\u2019s a poor decision after both of their performances at the weekend.”<\/p>\n Due to the Travelers being an elevated event there is no cut so all 72 players will compete over four rounds at TPC River Highlands.<\/p>\n MacIntyre carded a relatively underwhelming 71 for a score of one over par, with two birdies, a bogey and a nasty double bogey on the 16th.<\/p>\n Hovland had a better day however, posting a 66 for a score of four under par.<\/p>\n Masters<\/a> champion Rory McIlroy<\/a> bounced back from a difficult US Open to end the first round on six under par but leading the way on eight under are two Americans: world number one Scottie Scheffler<\/a> and world number 73 Austin Eckroat.<\/p>\n![\"Robert](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/watches-tee-shot-off-18th-1004133175.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Robert](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/robert-macintyre-scotland-action-pro-1003837168.jpg\")
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