Robert MacIntyre is hoping his new-found belief can fire him to a second successive DP World Tour win as he tees it up at this week's Cazoo Open de France.
The Scotsman took down U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick in a play-off to win the DS Automobiles Italian Open just three days ago but is ready to go again at Le Golf National.
The victory in Rome was only the second top ten of the season for the 26-year-old but he was pleased with how he stayed patient as he saw his game moving in the right direction.
“It was just the belief that I could do it last week that got me over the line," he said. "My game has been trending statistically, it was looking really good - just putting it together was the hardest part. It’s just about trust in what I’ve done.
“I’ve spoken to people about doubting myself, even in that three or four week stretch where I was playing well. Although I was playing better I wondered if I’d done the right things - it’s a results business and the results weren’t there.
“Then bang, that happens in Italy. It’s just about patience, that’s the biggest thing I’ve learned, just be patient and let it happen. Don’t go chasing it, just let it come to you.
“Obviously I’m a little bit tired, there were some celebrations on Sunday night, but we’re here to compete, to win again. It’s no different to last week, I’ve set my standards and I’m out here this week to try and win a golf tournament.
“I think you’ll see plenty of drama, especially at these finishing holes. It’s a difficult driving course, difficult for approach play, it’s just a tough golf course but it rewards good golf and it was the same last week."
MacIntyre has made no secret of the fact that the Ryder Cup is his major goal over the next 12 months and as he prepares to compete at one host venue, he was delighted to have performed so well at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, which will stage the biennial spectacular next year.
“It was a special place to win last week, with everything that’s going to happen in the next year," he said.
"A win is always great but that one was extra special with where it was won and what’s going to be held at that course in just over a year."
