Robert MacIntyre sent a major Ryder Cup message to skipper Luke Donald after landing the Italian Open crown in a thrilling playoff.
The Scot superb final round 64 before US Open champ Matt Fitzpatrick grabbed a spot in the shootout with a birdie at the final hole.
But MacIntrye held his nerve to seal the deal in extra time to secure his second title on the DP World Tour and fire his name in the Ryder Cup frame with 12 months to go. The Oban star outshone a host of big name stars at the Marco Simone Golf Club – including multiple major champ Rory McIlroy, whose late charge was sunk after finding water at the 16th hole. In what we hope will be an omen, this is where the Ryder Cup will be played in 12 months’ time.
