Siem Triumphs in Play-Off to Win Italian Open
German golfer Marcel Siem clinched his sixth European Tour title with a play-off victory at the Italian Open on Sunday. The 43-year-old overcame a shaky back nine in the final round, sinking a birdie putt on the 18th hole to tie with Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin at 10-under, having at one point held a three-shot lead over his nearest competitor.
In the first play-off hole, McKibbin missed his birdie putt, and Siem, competing in just his fourth tournament since undergoing hip surgery in February, made no mistake with his own birdie putt to secure the win.
“I love this sport and these moments. I work really hard for them, and when you are rewarded like this, it’s a very special moment,” Siem said. “I think this is the second oldest trophy in mainland Europe. So having won the French Open and now this, I am very proud.”
However, the runner-up finish provided some consolation for Northern Ireland’s McKibbin, as it guaranteed his participation in The Open Championship in July.