Message in Bob's bottle as he gives fans a sting

ROBERT MACINTYRE didn't miss a chance to troll the Americans on their own turf with a cheeky bib message at the Valspar Championship.

- BERNIE MCGUIRE

The Scot is contesting the Tampa event for a first time and event organisers allow golfers to post 'messages' on their caddie's aprons.

Players were given a form to complete and asked to indicate what message they would like on the bib, reminding them: "Meanings behind the bib name may be used for media purposes".

MacIntyre's message worn by caddie Mike Burrows was simply: "Europe 16.5-11.5 USA" - a nod to last year's Ryder Cup.

Speaking exclusively to Record Sport, MacIntyre said: "It's just me and my humour. I had the chance and thought, 'Why not?' "I never know how many Ryder Cups I'll get to play so I thought why not keep the europhia going for a little while longer? "It's been received really well back home and there's American fans on social media who didn't like it but it's part and parcel".