McGowan finally ends long title drought at Italian Open

Ross McGowan produced an impressive finish at the Italian Open to end a title drought on the European Tour that had spanned over a decade.

The Englishman claimed his maiden title when finishing three clear of Mikko Ilonen at the Madrid Masters back in 2009, a year in which he also finished second twice.

McGowan's long wait to add to that solitary success is finally over, though only after he birdied two of his final three holes to finish top of a congested final leaderboard at Chervo Golf Club.

Having fired a stunning round of 67 on Saturday to soar into contention, McGowan endured a mixed front nine that included an eagle, a birdie, two bogeys and a five at the par-three fifth.

Crucially, though, he produced when it mattered most. Having spectacularly chipped in at the 16th from a bunker, the 38-year-old hit his third shot on the par-five 18th onto the green, then rolled in the birdie putt to reach 20 under.

His score of 71 was enough to clinch a one-shot victory from compatriot Laurie Canter, who had shared the overnight lead with McGowan, and Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts.

Sebastian Heisele of Germany finished alone on 18 under, a shot ahead of a five-man group that included his compatriot Martin Kaymer, who has now managed four top-10 finishes in six starts.

After 11 years and 15 days, @RossMcGowan is a winner again on the European Tour #ItalianOpen pic.twitter.com/AxlaFd8VQQ

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) October 25, 2020