Helped by a decision to cut the rain-hit Italian Open from 72 to 54 holes – for the third time in six years – South African Andrew McLardy could have a first European Tour win to celebrate along with the birth of his first child this month.

South African Andrew McLardy’s hopes of a first European Tour title were given a huge boost today just before he completed a brilliant inward 30 at the Italian Open in Milan.

European Tour officials today took the rare decision to make players play holes twice at the Italian Open in Milan.

European Tour officials today took the rare decision to wipe out holes that had already been played at the Italian Open in Milan.

After being dubbed “The Beast of Brookline” for his behaviour at the 1999 Ryder Cup there must have been a time when Tom Lehman wondered what sort of reception he would receive in Europe. But not any more.