Italian Open: Robert MacIntyre of Scotland won the Italian Open after defeating Matt Fitzpatrick of England on the first playoff hole in the DP World Tour competition.
Prior to US Open champion Fitzpatrick birdying the 18th hole to force a playoff, MacIntyre posted a score of 14 under thanks to a remarkable 10 birdies in the final round of 64.
After a bad tee shot, the Englishman was only able to par the opening play-off hole, which gave MacIntyre the victory.
The triumph denied Matt Fitzpatrick a second tour victory of the year and is MacIntyre’s second DP World Tour triumph overall.
The victory is also MacIntyre’s first in 48 tournaments, and the Scot is aiming for a spot on the 2023 Ryder Cup team at the same location, the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Guidonia Montecelio outside of Rome.
While France’s Victor Perez was a shot behind MacIntyre and Fitzpatrick in third place at 13 under after missing a birdie opportunity on the 18th hole to advance to the play-off, Rory McIlroy finished two shots down in fourth place at 12 under.
Robert MacIntyre wins in Italy 🏆 #DS79OpendItalia pic.twitter.com/r1caT28Jic
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 18, 2022
“This means everything,” MacIntyre told Sky Sports after securing victory.
“I was down and out about three months ago, I didn’t know what I was doing, didn’t know where to go.
“But we spoke to the right people, started working with (coach) Simon Shanks.
“There’s so much work gone into this Mike (Thomson) my caddie, family, friends, everyone.
“I hit a terrible shot on 15 and thought it was backs against the wall.
“But we dug in. I’ve got a dogged attitude, I never give up and if I get punched, I punch back.”
Of his hopes for Ryder Cup selection, MacIntyre added: “It’s my main goal. My only goal for the next year really.
