Bernd Wiesberger claimed his second Rolex Series title of the year and third European Tour victory of the season with a hard-fought victory in the Italian Open.
The Austrian started the final round three shots behind overnight leader Matthew Fitzpatrick, but carded a bogey-free 65 to finish one shot clear of the Englishman on 16 under par.
Wiesberger posted three consecutive birdies from the fifth hole followed by a further gain on the ninth, and he went to the top of the leaderboard when Fitzpatrick, who had birdied the second, hit it out of bounds on the ninth leading to a costly double-bogey seven.
Wiesberger looked in control on the back nine with birdies at 14 and 16, but Fitzpatrick staged an impressive fightback with three birdies in his final six holes, however the former Ryder Cup player’s eagle effort from 12 feet at 17 lipped out and he could not find another birdie on the last to force a play off.
That meant Wiesberger became the fifth player to win multiple Rolex Series titles after his maiden win in the Scottish Open in July. The 34 year old now leads the Race to Dubai with just six events remaining, having also won in Denmark in May following seven months on the sidelines in 2018 due to a wrist injury.
Fitzpatrick signed for a closing 69 as he finished runner-up for the fourth time this season, having also come second in the Hong Kong Open, the BMW International and the Scandinavian Invitation.
American Kurt Kitayama finished third on 12 under, a shot clear of Andrew Johnston, Robert MacIntyre and another Austrian in Matthias Schwab, who shared fourth. Francesco Laporta posted a final round 68 to finish as the leading Italian player in a three-way share of seventh place.
Wiesberger said:”It’s been a great summer for me. I’ve played a lot of good golf and made a lot of progress after coming back from the injury last year. I’ve played really well in the right events in Ireland and the Scottish, and here this week, which helps getting up there in the Race to Dubai. I feel excited about what is ahead of us in these last four events.”
Bernd Wiesberger What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Titleist TS3 (8.5°)
Fairway wood: Titleist TS3 (13.5°)
Hybrid: Titleist 818 H2 (17°)
Utility Iron: Titleist U500 prototype (3)
Irons: Titleist 718 CB (4-6), Titleist 718 MB (7-9)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 (46°, 53°, 59°)
Putter: Scotty Cameron Futura T5W Tour
Ball: Titleist Pro V1