The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Rookie MacIntyre impresses during opening round
Oban’s Robert MacIntyre produced one of the shots of the season on the European Tour during his opening round of the Italian Open.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a superb rookie season on the main tour with three runner-up finishes.
The left-hander made a solid start to the Rolex Series event with a two-under-par 69 at Olgiata Golf Club in Rome to finish the day in tied 20th position – five strokes adrift of leader Tapio Pulkkanen.
MacIntyre, sitting 12th in the Race to Dubai order of merit, managed to reach the 623-yard par-5 ninth – his 18th hole of the day – in two after a stunning second shot using a driver off the deck which finished six foot from the pin.
He missed his eagle putt but tapped home for a birdie to finish the day as top Scot.
Afterwards MacIntyre revealed his caddie had urged him not to take the driver but was pleased the gamble paid off.
Craigielaw’s Grant Forrest and Press and Journal columnist Stephen Gallacher are sitting tied 35th after rounds of one-under 70, with Aberdeen’s Richie Ramsay one shot further back.
But it was a tough start for David Drysdale (+4), Scott Jamieson, Liam Johnston (both +5) and David Law (+6).
Aberdeen’s Sam Kiloh is well-placed at the halfway point of the European Tour Q School’s First Stage qualifier in Bom Successo in Portugal.
Kiloh is tied 20th on one over after rounds of 73 and 72 with South African Garrick Higgo and American James Erkenbeck leading on six under.
At the First Stage qualifier taking place in Hardelot, France, Stonehaven’s Sam Locke is tied 16th on one under after rounds of 69 and 72 with Aberdonian Sean Lawrie one shot further back after successive rounds of 71.