Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre claimed the second win of his career at the DS Automobiles Italian Open after beating US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick in sudden death play-off at Marco Simone G&CC, venue for next year’s Ryder Cup.
The 26-year-old, whose only other win came in Cyprus in 2020, started the final day three strokes off the lead, which was held by Fitzpatrick, but raced into contention as he cleared the front nine in six under par. He carded four birdies and three bogeys on the back nine, signing for a seven-under 64 as he set the clubhouse target at 14 under.
A nervous wait followed as Fitzpatrick was also 14 under with two to play, but the Yorkshireman dropped a shot on the par-three 17th. Frenchman Victor Perez then missed the opportunity to draw level with MacIntyre as a short-range birdie putt on the 18th slipped past the hole. Fitzpatrick recovered with a birdie on the 18th to force the playoff, signing for a 67 after making a birdie at the last with an 50-foot two-putt from off the green.
At the first extra hole, Fitzpatrick found trouble off the tee on the 580-yard, par-five hole, and could only make a made a par, while MacIntyre was just off the green with his second shot, and hit it close with his third and then rolled in a birdie putt from three feet for victory.
MacIntyre said: “It’s unbelievable. I didn’t think it was going to come again. I’ve struggled the last year and just felt like my game wasn’t quite there, but I’ve made a lot of changes over the last three months and my iron this week has been absolutely brilliant, and thankfully I managed to get over the line at the end.”
MacIntyre worked closely with his coach and TaylorMade Tour representaives to dial in his driver ready for this week at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club. After looking at his performance with various set ups and following on course testing, MacIntyre and the TaylorMade Tour team decided on a Stealth Plus 9° driver set 1 notch lower on the FCT sleeve. This proved pivotal in the playoff hitting driver and hybrid to the back of the green and subsequently making birdie to claim the title.
Sam Day, TaylorMade’s Tour Representative, said: “I have worked closely with Bob for a number of years and not only does he have an unbelievable work ethic, but also a fantastic ability to bounce back no matter the hurdle put in front of him.”
ROBERT MACINTYRE WITB
- Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Carbonwood (9°)
- Fairway wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (15°)
- Hybrid:TaylorMade Stealth (19°)
- Irons: TaylorMade P·7MC (4-PW)
- Wedge: TaylorMade Hi-Toe 2 (52°, 60°)
- Ball: TaylorMade TP5X