Golf in Italy
The sport most synonymous with Italy is football. Having won many world cups and being home to some of Europe’s best teams this makes sense. In recent years, we have also witnessed rugby union become really popular in Italy thanks to the success of the national team in international events. It may not be the first country you think of in terms of golfing powerhouses but it certainly punches above its weight on this front.
Golf in Italy is going through a purple patch, having one of the best players in the world will do that kind of thing for a country. With Francesco Molinari’s victory at the 2018 Open Championship, he became the first Italian to win a major championship. Italian golf had been lacking a hero after the glory days of Constantino Rocca who won 5 European Tour titles and finished 2nd in the 1995 Open Championship.
With Francesco and his brother Edoardo, Italian golf started to get exciting again. Then Matteo Manassero came along and the young phenomenon added a whole new level of buzz to the nation. Since this talismanic trio came along, a steady stream of Italian talent has emerged on the men’s and ladies European Tours.
The timing for all of this couldn’t be better as it is drawing the attention of sport-loving Italians to golf in perfect preparation for their first Ryder Cup experience.
The 2023 Ryder Cup Experience
Every two years we see golfing fanatics come out in huge numbers to help their team to victory by creating that home advantage. There really is nothing in golf like the first tee on the first day of the Ryder Cup. Italy is going to be no different and imagine the extra passion from the locals who haven’t had this chance before. Surely the famous blue and yellow-clad European fans will have their usual spot above the first tee.
If Francesco Molinari can make it into the team and, given his recent form, it is likely he will be there, then the 2023 Ryder Cup will have an even more passionate crowd. There is also the chance that his brother Edoardo can get clear of his injury issues and claim his place on Team Europe again.
Finally, given that this is still three years away, there is a good chance that one of the rising Italian stars could become a strong member of the home team.
Whatever happens, European Ryder Cup events are incredible spectacles and this will undoubtedly be of great benefit to Italian golf. Watching the best players in the world battle it out over Marco Simone Golf and Country Club wearing their team colours will inspire many to pick up the clubs and try golf.
There is no denying that the Ryder Cup is one of the most important events on the golfing calendar and this will be another wonderful venue. You must get yourself out to Italy and try this course before the Ryder Cup.
Marco Simone Golf Club
