Robert MacIntyre secures Italian Open title after play-off win over Matt Fitzpatrick in DP World Tour event | Golf News

The win marks the second DP World Tour success of Robert MacIntyre’s career to date, and prevents Matt Fitzpatrick from winning his second tour of the season; Fitzpatrick became this year’s US Open champion in June; both players finish over 14 under before play-off down to 18th hole

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Robert MacIntyre claims Italian Open title after England’s Matt Fitzpatrick forced play-offs

Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre won the Italian Open title after beating England’s Matt Fitzpatrick on the first play-off hole in the DP World Tour event.

The epic 10 birdies in the final round of 64 saw MacIntyre score 14 under 14, before US Open champion Fitzpatrick took a round 18 win to force a playoff kick.

However, the Englishman was only able to get through the first play-off hole after a bad tee, while MacIntyre caught the hole to secure victory.

The win was the second DP World Tour success of MacIntyre’s career to date, and prevented Fitzpatrick from winning his second tour of the season.

The win was also MacIntyre’s first in 48 events, with the Scots aiming for the 2023 Ryder Cup selection at the same venue – Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Guidonia Montecelio near Rome – when the tournament runs for a year.

Rory McIlroy completed two shots in fourth at age 12, while Victor Perez of France was knocked out by MacIntyre and Fitzpatrick at 13, missing a birdie on the 18th to make it to the playoffs. .

“This means everything,” said MacIntyre Sports sky after winning.

“I had a mental breakdown about three months ago, I didn’t know what I was doing, I didn’t know where to go.

“But we talked to the right people, started working with (coach) Simon Shanks.

“There’s a lot of work for Mike (Thomson) my caddy, family, friends, everyone.

“I had a terrible shot on the 15th and thought it was against the wall.

“But we tried. I had a resilient attitude, I never gave up and if I get punched, I punch back.”

The Scots survived challenges from Fitzpatrick and Rory McIlroy to go on and win the tournament

Regarding his hopes for the Ryder Cup selection, MacIntyre added: “That’s my main goal. Really my only goal for next year.

“I’ve done it on this course. But I don’t feel like this week will be, of course the style and the way I play.

“We worked on a few things on Tuesday and Wednesday and I feel very in control of my game this week. My approach has gone up a notch.”

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