Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre claimed the second win of his profession on the DS Cars Italian Open after beating US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick in sudden demise play-off at Marco Simone G&CC, venue for subsequent yr’s Ryder Cup.
The 26-year-old, whose solely different win got here in Cyprus in 2020, began the ultimate day three strokes off the lead, which was held by Fitzpatrick, however raced into competition as he cleared the entrance 9 in six beneath par. He carded 4 birdies and three bogeys on the again 9, signing for a seven-under 64 as he set the clubhouse goal at 14 beneath.
A nervous wait adopted as Fitzpatrick was additionally 14 beneath with two to play, however the Yorkshireman dropped a shot on the par-three seventeenth. Frenchman Victor Perez then missed the chance to attract degree with MacIntyre as a short-range birdie putt on the 18th slipped previous the opening. Fitzpatrick recovered with a birdie on the 18th to drive the playoff, signing for a 67 after making a birdie on the final with an 50-foot two-putt from off the inexperienced.
On the first additional gap, Fitzpatrick discovered hassle off the tee on the 580-yard, par-five gap, and will solely make a made a par, whereas MacIntyre was simply off the inexperienced along with his second shot, and hit it shut along with his third after which rolled in a birdie putt from three ft for victory.
MacIntyre mentioned: “It’s unbelievable. I didn’t suppose it was going to come back once more. I’ve struggled the final yr and simply felt like my sport wasn’t fairly there, however I’ve made plenty of adjustments during the last three months and my iron this week has been completely sensible, and fortunately I managed to recover from the road on the finish.”
MacIntyre labored carefully along with his coach and TaylorMade Tour representaives to dial in his driver prepared for this week on the Marco Simone Golf and Nation Membership. After taking a look at his efficiency with varied set ups and following on the right track testing, MacIntyre and the TaylorMade Tour group selected a Stealth Plus 9° driver set 1 notch decrease on the FCT sleeve. This proved pivotal within the playoff hitting driver and hybrid to the again of the inexperienced and subsequently making birdie to assert the title.
Sam Day, TaylorMade’s Tour Consultant, mentioned: “I’ve labored carefully with Bob for various years and never solely does he have an unbelievable work ethic, but in addition a incredible skill to bounce again regardless of the hurdle put in entrance of him.”
ROBERT MACINTYRE WITB
- Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Carbonwood (9°)
- Fairway wooden: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (15°)
- Hybrid:TaylorMade Stealth (19°)
- Irons: TaylorMade P·7MC (4-PW)
- Wedge: TaylorMade Hello-Toe 2 (52°, 60°)
- Ball: TaylorMade TP5X
