Robert MacIntyre says making next year's Ryder Cup team is his 'only goal' for the next 12 months after taking a third professional victory at the Italian Open.
His pursuit of a Ryder Cup place will be helped by the fact LIV Golf rebels face being banned from the tournament amid their continued battle against the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.
That would only help world number 68 MacIntyre who showed composure on Sunday in Rome to hit a final round of 64 and 14-under par overall. Despite Matt Fitzpatrick equaling his score with a birdie on the 18th, the Scot pulled through with a birdie of his own on the first play-off hole to win his second DP World Tour title.
After coming close to Ryder Cup selection last year, MacIntyre put himself firmly in the mind of European captain Luke Donald who was at the event.
"It's my main goal. My only goal for the next year really," said MacIntyre about the Ryder Cup. "I've done it on this golf course. But I didn't feel this week was going to be the one, the style of course, and the way I was playing.
The victory is also MacIntyre's first in 48 events following his last DP World Tour win in November 2020.
It ends a tough period for the Scot who has seen his ranking drop from 60th in the world to 110. He will also be buoyed by beating Rory McIlroy - who was challenging for victory until finding the water on the 16th and finishing joint fourth.
"This means everything," MacIntyre told Sky Sports. "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, there's so much work gone into this. 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."
European Ryder Cup captain Donald has this week has admitted his preparations have been left "in limbo" with Rory McIlroy calling for LIV Golf stars not to be selected.
European Ryder Cup icons Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood have also joined the LIV Golf series along with Paul Casey and Bernd Wiesberger, as well as former vice-captains Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell. Furthermore, Henrik Stenson was scrapped of the captaincy after making the move too.
The recent moves of the top European stars could open the door for MacIntyre to make next year's Ryder Cup team if LIV Golf members are frozen out of next year's competition.
