Reigning champion MacIntyre withdraws from Italian Open with back injury

Reigning DS Automobiles Italian Open champion Robert MacIntyre will play no further part in Marco Simone after he withdrew following a back strain.

The Scotsman endured a difficult opening round where he carded a two-over 73 to leave him ten shots off the pace.

MacIntyre said he was “gutted” to have to withdraw from the tournament but said on Twitter that it was “hopefully nothing too serious.”

The 26-year-old is hoping to be fit enough for the PGA Championship at Oak Hill.

MacIntyre held off Matt Fitzpatrick at Marco Simone Golf Club in a playoff to win the Italian Open last year and this week was seen as a good opportunity for the Oban man to show his Ryder Cup credentials to captain Luke Donald.