Robert MacIntyre & # 039; shooting for stars & # 039; and top 10 after reaching the top 50

Robert MacIntyre finished five strokes behind Paul Casey at the Dubai Desert Classic

Robert MacIntyre says breaking through in the world top 50 is "a great achievement" but sees no reason why he can't push higher and reach the top 10.

It follows the Scotsman's third place at the Dubai Desert Classic, where he was "disappointed" "not to win.

That nevertheless took McIntyre to 44th in the rankings, making him the world's best-placed left-hander.

"Breaking into the top 50 means everything; it's a springboard to where we're trying to go, "he said.

" I just have to keep trusting what I do I feel like I have the right team around me to achieve what I want and if I can keep trusting them and they keep trusting me, I just won't shoot for the stars.

MacIntyre currently ranks higher than all other Scots and when asked about the possibility of reaching the top 10 as he prepares for the start of the Saudi International on Thursday, said he: “I don't see any reason why not, but I have a long, long way to go before that is achieved.

"I know my good wave can rise. I'm only 24 years old, I have a long career ahead of me and if I can keep producing good wave I would be honestly can't put a number on it.

"It was fun so far and hopefully we can just keep improving."

MacIntyre pointed out that if he is in the top 50, he receives invitations to more prestigious tournaments and aims for a place at the US Masters in April.

"That was my goal for the past year and a half" , he said. "OK, I jumped into the top 50 in the world, but we still have a few months to go before that is completely locked up."

Desert Classic Winner Paul Casey revealed that he would like to see MacIntyre on the European team at this year's Ryder Cup.

"If I don't play in big big tournaments like the Masters, then realistically I won't be on that team," admitted MacIntyre.

"I know the tournaments I have to play and I'm doing everything I can to do."