Robert MacIntyre not afraid to attack Royal Portrush when the chance comes

Scot Robert MacIntyre is not afraid to attack Royal Portrush when he feels he has a chance to make a move.

The left-hander shot a second-round 66 to propel him from level par to five under and within touching distance of the Open lead.

MacIntyre missed out on his first major title at last month’s US Open after JJ Spaun holed a monster putt on the final hole but his runners-up spot not only boosted his world ranking to 14 but his confidence also.

“I’m not scared. I’m not going to back away. It’s completely different to Oakmont,” said MacIntyre of his intent for the weekend on a course where he finished tied for sixth in 2019.

“Oakmont, I couldn’t roll the dice. It was never ‘Let’s press, let’s press’. It was always, ‘Right, let’s go out here with pars’.

“This week, hopefully come the 69th, 70th hole, I’ve got a chance. If I’ve got a chance, I’m going to roll it.

“I’ve got so much more confidence and so much more belief that I am good enough.

“I’ve obviously managed to finish top 10s in majors before but I’ve never competed.

“In the PGA Championship this year, I was right in the mix. There was a lot going on Saturday, Sunday and I fell away, but I had so much confidence going in that I was at that level now.

“Oakmont obviously happens, which gives you another boost. I feel like the last three majors, I’ve put myself in good position after 36 holes.

“I’m in a good spot. I feel happy, confident, comfortable. I’m going to go out and give it my best shot all the way through Sunday afternoon.”