Leading Performance by MacIntyre at the BMW Championship due to his exceptional putter play, securing a three-shot advantage
Robert MacIntyre made a stunning debut at the 2025 BMW Championship, setting a new course record with an outstanding score of 8-under par 62 at Caves Valley Golf Club. This record-breaking round was marked by a dramatic finish, as MacIntyre closed the round with six consecutive birdies.
The Scottish golfer started the tournament strong, pouring in a 66-foot birdie putt at the par-three 13th, followed by a 22-footer at the tough par-three 17th. MacIntyre continued his impressive form at the 18th hole, where he fired out of the rough to 12 feet and curled in a birdie putt.
MacIntyre's late burst carried him past world number one Scottie Scheffler, who had a strong start with three birdies in the first four holes. However, Scheffler encountered some difficulties in the middle of the round, with back-to-back bogeys at the 9th and 10th holes. Despite this, Scheffler finished the round strongly, birdying three of his last four holes, including a 16-foot putt at 15, a five-footer at 16, and a 26-foot birdie at the last hole.
Justin Rose, who won the St. Jude title in Memphis on Sunday, carded a one-over 71. Rory McIlroy, world number two, struggled with his driving, resulting in an even par 70 that featured three bogeys and three birdies.
The 2025 BMW Championship, the second event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, attracts 50 players. In addition to MacIntyre, Scheffler, and McIlroy, other top golfers like Fleetwood and Rose are in the field.
MacIntyre's score matched his career-low round on tour, and his longest birdie streak on the PGA Tour is now five straight. Scheffler, who is already assured of making it into the 30-player field for next week's Tour Championship in Atlanta due to his position in the playoff points race, finished the round three shots behind MacIntyre.
Analysis and Stats
MacIntyre’s 62 stood out as a notably low score on a challenging course that has seen course records of 60, such as Bryson DeChambeau's 60 in 2021. However, MacIntyre’s round was especially impressive for the late surge with birdies on the final six holes.
The course at Caves Valley is a tough test known for producing tight leaderboards at elite tournaments like the BMW Championship and FedEx Cup Playoffs. MacIntyre’s ability to close with six straight birdies indicates strong putting and course management under pressure.
Comparison with Other Top Golfers
| Golfer | Score | Notable Aspects | |------------------|--------|---------------------------------| | Robert MacIntyre | 62 (-8) | Birdied final six holes; course record contention | | Scottie Scheffler| 66 (-4) | Strong start with birdies on holes 1,2,4; consistent throughout | | Rory McIlroy | 70 (E) | Rough start, recovered to even par |
MacIntyre’s round is a standout for not only the low score but the momentum swing demonstrated by the late run of birdies. Scheffler and McIlroy have more career titles and higher global profiles, but MacIntyre’s 62 was the low score of the day and a statement round at Caves Valley.
Previous records like Bryson DeChambeau’s 60 in 2021 show the course can yield very low rounds, but MacIntyre’s 62 in 2025 remains impressive considering tournament pressure and field quality.
In summary, MacIntyre’s record-breaking round at Caves Valley was distinguished by a late surge of six consecutive birdies, placing him well ahead of top-ranked stars like Scheffler and McIlroy on day one of the 2025 BMW Championship. His performance illustrates top-level form and readiness as the FedEx Cup Playoffs intensify.
