MacIntyre storms into BMW Championship lead with sparkling 62

Scot finishes with six consecutive birdies to open three-shot advantage in Maryland.

Robert MacIntyre produced a sensational late surge to card an eight-under-par 62 and claim a three-shot lead after the weather-delayed opening round of the BMW Championship in Maryland.

The Scot, part of the later wave of starters, capitalised on softer conditions following a two-hour rain delay. Darkness halted play before Bud Cauley could complete his round.

MacIntyre, on the cusp of joining Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose in Europe’s Ryder Cup team, closed with six straight birdies, recording 10 in total against two bogeys. His dazzling finish puts him three strokes clear of Fleetwood, who remains in search of his first PGA Tour title after letting slip a final-round lead at last week’s St Jude Championship.

This week’s event at Caves Valley Golf Club is the second leg of the FedEx Cup play-offs, following Rose’s victory in a play-off with JJ Spaun at the opener. Rose endured a more challenging day in Maryland, signing for a one-over 71 after two bogeys and a double bogey on the back nine.

MacIntyre’s highlight came at the par-four 13th, where he holed a 66-foot birdie putt to ignite his spectacular run.

“The last six holes is probably as good as I’ve ever putted in a stretch – just so consistent,” said the world number 14. “When you get the eye on, it’s free flowing, and it’s nice.

I feel like the way I play golf is better suited for tougher tests, where you’re rewarded for hitting a fairway, rewarded for hitting a green, and then take your chances with the putter. Just happy with today’s work.”

World number one Scottie Scheffler continued his superb form, closing with three birdies in his final four holes for an opening 66 to sit third. Scheffler, who has now posted 12 consecutive top-eight finishes, noted the impact of the weather delay:

“It changed pretty significantly – a lot softer. The fairways were a little bit harder to hit this morning. They’re still pretty wide, but with the firmness, they were challenging. Then with the softness from the rain, the golf course got significantly easier.”

Scheffler played alongside Masters champion McIlroy, who finished level-par after three birdies and three bogeys. The Northern Irishman, a three-time FedEx Cup winner, endured a sluggish start with three bogeys in his opening six holes before rallying.

McIlroy skipped last week’s St Jude Championship, already assured of a place in next week’s Tour Championship. Only the top 30 in the season-long standings after this tournament will progress to Atlanta.