Robert MacIntyre has withdrawn from the Italian Open at Marco Simone Golf Club ahead of his second round, citing a back injury.
The Scot came into the week as the defending champion having captured his second DP World Tour victory eight months ago at the venue for this year's Ryder Cup.
MacIntyre posted a two-over 73 on day one before announcing he wouldn't be teeing it up on Friday after straining his back and opting to rest in order to get back to full fitness in time for the second men's Major of the year.
"Gutted to withdraw this morning from the Italian Open with a back strain," MacIntyre wrote on Twitter. "Hopefully nothing too serious. Now for a week of rest before the PGA Championship."
Gutted to withdraw this morning from the @ItalianOpen with a back strain. Hopefully nothing too serious. Now for a week of rest before the PGA Championship. pic.twitter.com/HRBwokBOWtMay 5, 2023
MacIntyre overcame US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick in a playoff in Rome last year after the pair finished 14-under. It was the biggest win of the Scot's career as he prevailed over a star-studded field that also included four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy.
However, he has failed to build on that momentum and finds himself in danger of dropping outside the world's top 100, having risen to as high as 42nd. The 26-year-old has made no secret of his desire to make his Ryder Cup debut this year and had been expected to form part of the next generation of European talent that could spoil the American's momentum.
As it stands, he sits well down in the Ryder Cup standings and will be relying on a pick from captain Luke Donald should he want to feature in the upcoming edition of the biennial contest.
-
Los Angeles GC Defeat Tiger Woods' Jupiter Links GC In Commanding TGL VictoryLos Angeles GC put Woods' team to the sword, as the trio of Collin Morikawa, Sahith Theegala and Justin Rose closed out a dominant 12-1 victory
-
How Much Are TGL Tickets?Interest in Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's TGL has been significant early on, with the first few weeks of action completely sold out...
-
Rory McIlroy Explains New Tiny Training Aid At Dubai Desert ClassicThe four-time Major winner was spotted using a unique training aid on the range at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, specifically a small golf club
-
YouTube Star Grant Horvat Follows Tiger Woods Video With Rory McIlroy CollabThe social media star revealed the link-up on Instagram stories, with further details expected on Monday
-
Report: Rory McIlroy Tipped For India Debut In Lucrative New TournamentThe Hindustan Times is reporting that Delhi Golf Club will host a $5 million event towards the latter stages of the DP World Tour's 2025 campaign
-
Report: Viewing Figures For The Showdown Lower Than Most Editions Of The MatchThe Las Vegas contest, which saw PGA Tour stars play LIV golfers, reportedly had relatively disappointing viewing figures across two networks that broadcast it
-
What Rory McIlroy Thinks The TGL Will Do 'A Little Bit Better' Than LIV GolfThe Boston Common Golf player believes the team element of the TGL will be more appealing to fans than the LIV Golf format
-
Rory McIlroy And Scottie Scheffler Spotted Wearing Prototype Nike Shoes At The ShowdownThe World No.1 and No.3 have worn Nike footwear for years and, in Las Vegas on Tuesday, the pair were spotted donning some never-seen before models
-
The Coat, Hit-It-Further Juice, And Player's Dad Struck With Ball: The Showdown Moments You Might Have MissedScottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy cruised to victory at the much-anticipated TV match against Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka, and there were a handful of notable moments along the way at Shadow Creek
-
The Showdown Payout: What Did Scottie Scheffler And Rory McIlroy Win In Vegas?Scheffler and McIlroy dominated proceedings at The Showdown and, in the process, secured a $5 million payday each in the form of the crypto-based coin 'CRO'
