Rory McIlroy had to settle for fourth place at the Italian Open, with a bogey late in his final round putting an end to a potential Sunday charge.
The 33-year old saw his chances disintegrate on the 16th hole after he pushed his tee shot into the water when trying to reach the short par-4 with his driver.
An eagle putt just refused to drop on 18 for the world number three, with a tap-in par securing McIlroy fourth spot and €150,000 in prize money.
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It was a rollercoaster of a day for McIlroy and he began his round in the worst possible fashion. Playing alongside US Open champion Matthew Fitzpatrick, 'Rors', who began his day one shot behind Fitzpatrick, carded a double-bogey six on the first to put himself immediately on the back foot.
An excellent up-and-down on the fifth saw the Holywood man make birdie, while another birdie on the ninth had McIlroy level for his round at the turn.
Birdies at 12, 13 and 15 had the FedEx Cup champion bang in contention to take home the top prize, before and errant tee shot on 16 found water and ended his chances of picking up a third victory of the season.
Another birdie on 18 saw McIlroy end his tournament on 12-under par and for the second week in a row, the four-time major winner had to make peace with being pipped at the post.
Last week it was Shane Lowry that edged out McIlroy in a dramatic finale at the BMW PGA Championship in Wentworth, but this time it was Robert MacIntyre who stood atop the pile when all was said and done.
The Scot carded a 7-under par final round to surge his way up the leaderboard and finish in a tie for top spot with Fitzpatrick on 14-under par. The lefty played the first play-off hole beautiful and made and easy birdie at 18 on the first play-off hole to win his second DP World Tour event and take home a cheque for €500,000.
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