Whether we like it or not, believe it or not, Italy is destined to play an increasingly important role on the world golf scene. A taste of this leap in quality will take place starting Thursday in Monza, when the 73rd Italian Open, the first of the Ryder Cup 2022 project, gets underway.
What marks the difference between this Italian Open and the previous ones is the prize pool, for the first time at 3 million euros, double compared to last year, and the quality of the filed, which includes five major winners, including Danny Willett , Masters champion 2016.
Lee Westwood, the English champion who was also world number one, returns to Italy after 16 years, but on the splendid course of the Golf Club Milano spectators will also be able to see seven of the 12 players in Ryder's team this year. In short, the leap in quality is perceptible and tells of a future increasingly in the limelight for blue golf. Winning the Ryder Cup in Rome for 2022 entailed a commitment from the Federation for another 10 millionaire Opens.
From 2017, in fact, the stakes will rise to 7 million euros and at that point the number ones will also arrive, from one side of the ocean to the other. The goal of the president of the golf federation, Franco Chimenti, is to triple the number of Italian amateurs over these 11 years. A project that resembles a dream, in a moment of persistent economic stagnation, but is a mirage worth believing in.
In any case, the small number of local players (still below XNUMX) will not detract from Italy's protagonism on the world golf scene, at least as a country that organizes major tournaments.
The Monza Open is an excellent moment for those who want to approach golf or find out what it is. Firstly, because entry is free and the opportunity is more unique than rare. There are very few sports shows in the world at this level where spectators do not pay for the ticket. It will probably be the last time in our country too and it is worth taking advantage of it.
And then because there are a thousand initiatives to have fun: player exhibitions, the possibility of throwing balls for those who have never tried it, mini lessons from Pgai teachers for newbies. Those arriving with children who don't want to take them with them can park them at the Family Village, where specialized staff will take care of them. For those who are hungry, the restaurant is starry. In short, if the weather is clement, without too much heat, but also without the announced rain, it will be a great party.
Friday's audience is asked to dress in white, red and green to support an initiative in solidarity with the earthquake victims. Finally, over the weekend the Ryder Cup trophy will also be exhibited, on a trip to Rome these days, at the Marco Simone, home of the mega event on the calendar in 6 years time.
For enthusiasts, this week, the Italian Open is, on the other hand, the absolute protagonist, because it rests in the United States, before the last Fedex event. Sky television coverage will therefore also be top notch, with evening reruns.
There are 20 Italians on the field. A long list that includes Francesco Molinari, our highest player in the world ranking and who plays permanently on the Pga Tour; then Matteo Manassero, Nino Bertasio, Renato Paratore, Edoardo Molinari just to mention the most famous and qualified to bring home the trophy.
There are 5 amateurs and they will have the extraordinary opportunity to compete with some of the strongest players in the world. 26 nations are represented, 156 participants, 10 professionals among the top 50 of the world order of merit, 21 of the top XNUMX.
Level rookies include Chris Wood, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Andy Sullivan and Rafael Cabrera Bello; among the friends returning once again is former world number one Martin Kaymer. The first place winner wins 500 euros, but to play over the weekend you have to exceed the limit set at 65 participants and equal merit.
