Ryder Cup veteran Paul Casey has backed Robert MacIntyre to handle all the pressure that comes with the biennial spectacular should the Scot seal a debut appearance in September.
The duo went out in the final group at the 2021 Omega Dubai Desert Classic, with MacIntyre looking to turn the tables on Casey, who overturned his one shot 54 hole lead to win the Porsche European Open in 2019.
This time it was Casey who led by one, and the Englishman put in a stellar performance to card a closing 70 and finish five shots ahead of MacIntyre, who made four bogeys in a row around the turn in a 74.
Casey is aiming to play in his fifth Ryder Cup should he make Padraig Harrington's team for Whistling Straits, and the 43-year-old would be more than happy to have MacIntyre alongside him.
"He's got a good demeanour, very good demeanour," he said of the Scot. "I couldn't really see a weakness there. Great attitude. He's a good ball striker, a lot of good attributes, good player. He's got a good brain.
"He might be part of that Ryder Cup Team for Padraig - he's that good, he really is.
"I'd feel very comfortable standing next to him on a first tee at Whistling Straits. You know, and he's only going to get better and better and better, and pretty fearless.
"He was great to play with and you can't always say that about guys."
As for MacIntyre himself, he was disappointed with his performance on day four but delighted to record a new and significant milestone.
His most recent result moves into the top 50 on the Official World Golf Rankings for the first time, and with it the possibility of playing in the World Golf Championships events, The PLAYERS Championship and an invite to the Masters Tournament.
“It would be unbelievable, but it’s not done until March 25, that Augusta one, so I’ve got a lot of work to do,” he said of potential opportunities that come with his new ranking.
“I’ve just got to keep believing in myself. I keep giving myself chances, like today, if I keep giving myself these chances week-in-week-out then I’m going to bundle over the line again at some point."
