ROME FREE

Joy for Bob as Scots hero books his place for showdown with the States

- BERNIE MCGUIRE

BOB MacINTYRE returned to his beloved Oban last night celebrating automatic selection for the European Ryder Cup team.

MacIntyre who got the news as he headed to Geneva Airport after the Omega European Masters - joined England's Matt Fitzpatrick in securing the last two automatic spots for next month's showdown in Rome.

European captain Luke Donald will announce his full 12-man team later today.

MacIntyre said: "It has been a tough qualifying campaign but I'm pleased with the way I've dealt with the challenge and to have earned one of the six automatic places.

"I've worked hard to play in the Ryder Cup but it's now important to go on and win it." MacIntyre becomes the first Scot since Stephen Gallacher in 2016 to earn a Ryder Cup cap and the 23rd since Stirling's Stewart Burns was selected but didn't contest the 1929 event.

It's an understatement to say it has been a stressful few weeks for MacIntyre, who virtually had a target on his back with as many as six players looking to clinch third place on the Europe points list.