Robert MacIntyre's Ryder Cup dig sparks mixed reactions at Valspar Championship

The Scot, who was unbeaten with two-and-a-half-points in the Marco Simone Country Club in September, took advantage of a quirk of the tournament which allows players to choose their own wording for their bagman's attire.

MacIntyre opted for EUR 16.5 – 11.5 USA, a reference to America's crushing defeat as Luke Donald's side won back the trophy, for Mike Burrows' bib.

However, Englishman Burrows was not even on MacIntyre's bag for the Ryder Cup as they did not pair up until a month later.

MacIntyre's choice understandably received mixed responses. Ryder Cup Europe posted on X: "He's only gone and done it. We approve" but their USA counterparts wrote "Never too soon to start thinking about Bethpage in 2025", while the official PGA Tour account simply said "Too soon?"

Unfortunately for the 27-year-old left-hander he could not rediscover the form he showed in Italy, with just two birdies and a bogey in a one-under opening round which left him six off the lead set by Kevin Streelman.

The Scot's two American playing partners Kevin Roy and Chandler Phillips both outscored him, shooting six under and three under respectively.

MacIntyre is making his ninth appearance on the PGA Tour this season and has missed the cut in half of his previous events, including last week's Players Championship.