Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre declared he’s back to his best in securing a best result in 14-months to muscle his way to a share of third thanks to a final round 65 at the Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Open.
MacIntyre, 24, didn’t drop a shot in an 18-under par tally and for the Oban golfer’s best finish since being runner in August last year at the Porsche European Open.
England’s Callum Shinkwin birdied the first extra hole to capture a maiden Tour title after first eagling the 72nd hole in a new tournament record of an eight-under par 63 for a 20-under par.
Shinkwin, 27 denied Finland’s Kalle Samooja, 32 also his first win after he produced a bogey-free 64.
Three years ago, Shinkwin lost in a play-off at the 2017 AIS Scottish Open at Dundonald Links and then forfeited his Tour card at the end of 2018.
Callum Shinkwin captures the inaugural Cyprus Open
He said: “Since the events of 2017 and ’18, I’ve had to trust myself more than anything. I’ve also had to make a few changes and it’s all worked out for the best.
“I dug down deep to get my card back in ’19 and given what has gone on this year COVID-wise, I am just happy to win.”
MacIntyre’s effort, sharing third with Welshman Jamie Donaldson and South African Garrick Higgo, is his fourth top-3 Tour finish in 44 Tour events that will also see the Scot move off No. 100 in the world and likely pick up nine places to be back to 91st on the rankings.
MacIntyre teed-up just two shots off the lead and soon made his move with three birdies in four holes from sixth, and including birdieing the sixth over the four days.
Scot Robert MacIntyre says he’s back to his best in sharing third place at the Cyprus Open
He then birdied the 10th for a fourth day with a tap-in putt before holing a 30-foot uphill putt to save par on 2.
MacIntyre was visibly disappointed when his approach shot at 14 hit the flagstick about a foot above the hole and then cannoned well back to the front of the green.
The Scot, who seeks a first Tour title, ended on a positive note with a birdie on 17 and then also birdieing the last for all four rounds and pocket 24 birdies in the inaugural event.
He said: “I’m really starting to believe that you need to have a bit of luck go your way to win a golf tournament.
Again today, on 14 I’ve pitched it an inch from the hole, hits the flag and goes to 35 feet. If it misses the flag it’s probably going in the hole if I’m honest.
“Disappointed with that, but I put in a great shift there, bogey-free last round six under. I thought I was going to have a chance but Callum has played some unbelievable golf on the back nine to score that, so hats off.
“I really like the golf course as it suits my eye. There are a couple of holes on the back nine that really don’t suit my eye, but I’m enjoying my golf again.
“I’m hitting my numbers with my irons, finally, and I’m in a good place mentally. The only part I have to do is just play golf and enjoy myself. Mikey is doing a great job in keeping me going.
“So, disappointed not to get the win, but my game is finally back to where it needs to be. It’s been a tough time for everyone but my golf has really struggled.”
David Drysdale joins MacIntyre remaining in Cyprus for this week’s Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Showdown, a knock-out format event, and also still looking for a first Tour win in what will be his 510th event.
Drysdale headed into day three just one off the lead and brilliantly stormed his way to the front on the back of three birdies in his opening five holes.
However, it turned horribly pear-shaped when he four-putted for bogey the par-3 seventh hole.
The Eyemouth golfer birdied 10 but he dropped out the top-10 in three-putting the 14th for a bogey ‘5’ ahead of a birdie on 17 in a round of 69 for a tie for 10th.
Kirkcaldy’s Calum Hill posted a last day 68 to share 41st spot at eight-under.
And Craigielaw’s Grant Forrest grabbed a third eagle in four rounds at the sixth but he also played the par-3 15th in five-over in a closing day 68 for a seven-over tally and just inside the top-50.
