The Italian Open kicks off today, the key appointment for Italian golf, but also for the European Ryder Cup team. In fact, on Sunday evening captain Paul McGinley will complete the team that will have to defend the title against the United States, at Gleneagle, in starting September 26.
Francesco Molinari is the blue most qualified to obtain a wild card: he has already participated in two editions of Ryder, both won by Europe, he is number 44 in the world and number 22 in the Race to Dubai, has a solid game and, although this he hasn't won anything during the year, he's always in the top tiers of the standings in important races. The Open, won in 2006 in Tolcinasco, takes place at the club where he took his first steps: the Mandria of Turin, a spectacular club, with difficult and fascinating holes. The course is the Blue Course, revised in 2006 by the Canadian architect Graham Cooke, who modified the greens and set back the tees, transforming it into the second longest course in Italy, 6591 metres, par 72. In short, Francesco has many arrows in his bow .
Ryder is instead a dream that, for now, 21-year-old Matteo Manassero has to leave in the drawer. A shadow line has descended on the young champion this year. “It's a matter of trust – Matteo admits – especially with the drive. If I shot from the tee like on the driving range I'd be happy, but the problem isn't technical, but mental and I have to solve it by myself". Matteo is very strong and will soon be able to raise his sails to move towards new and important victories; the Italian Open is also a wonderful opportunity.
The Veronese starts with the favors of the forecast, together with the other Italian golfer of international caliber, Edoardo Molinari. The two play together, at 8,30, with a third exception: Stephen Gallacher, number 34 in the world and number 9 in the Race to Dubai. The Scotsman is also working on two fronts, for the title and for Ryder and is one step away from qualifying.
The challenge will not be easy, because the field is rich and prestigious with 156 players, including three major winners: Padrig Harrington, Darren Clarke and Josè Maria Olazabal. Also on the field was Renato Paratore, the 17-year-old amateur, gold medalist at the Youth Olympic Games in China and the captain of Ryder McGinley's team.
Cut after 36 holes, for a final with 65 players and equal merit, in contention for 1,5 million euros, of which 250 thousand euros for the first. Admission is free for the public and there is massive TV coverage by Sky Sport 2 starting at 11,30 this morning.
In the evening, however, those who love golf can follow the Pga tour. In fact, on the other side of the ocean, the second round of the Playoffs begins today, the Deutsche Bank at the Tpc Boston in Norton, Massachusetts, a par 71 course of 6500 metres. Last week the Fedex standings changed and Rory McIlroy was overtaken by Hunter Mahan winner of the first tournament, while the field is already reduced to one hundred players (96 on the field). There's $8 million up for grabs, with $1,444 million going to the former. Henrik Stenson, the Swede who won the American "championship" in 2013 and who is currently number 66 in the standings, defends the title.
Finally, a piece of news regarding Tiger Woods. On Monday, the champion fired his coach Sean Foley, the guru who had been following him for 4 years. It's Tiger's third professional divorce, but with no new flame in sight, as he won't be back racing until December. However, the bets have already unleashed on the network and the most popular is Butch Harmon, Woods' coach from 1993 to 2004. But the person concerned denies it and via sms lets it be known that he has no intention of going back on his steps and teaching Tiger something again. Today he is satisfied with coaching Phil Mickelson, Ricke Fowler and Brandt Snedeker…
