Golf is a mischievous game and turns its back on you just when expectations are too high. This is what happened to Francesco Molinari, the most awaited man of the Italian Open, underway from Thursday at the Olgiata in Rome, who, unfortunately, did not pass the cut, totaling 147 shots in the first two days, 15 shots more than the leader, the Englishman Matthew Fitzpatrik (10 under par). The big grain will have time to lick his wounds and meditate on his mistakes. Many those with the putter from the first day and not a few those in the long game, in which the blue is generally much more accurate. A little nervousness, combined with a good dose of bad luck contributed to the disappointing result and closed the circle of two days to throw behind us, looking immediately at the next tournament, in Turkey in two weeks.
In Rome however, a large Italian representation remained in the race, with Andrea Pavan twelfth (-6), Guido Migliozzi 22nd (-4), Francesco Laporta 29th (-3), Edoardo Molinari 37th (-2), Nino Bertasio and Renato Paratore 44th (-1). The battle will be heated over the next 36 holes. Close to the top of the standings, third (-7) is also world number 5 Justin Rose, a difficult follower to keep at bay. Among the big names in pole position also Rory Sabattini and Graeme McDowell (-7). Joachin Hansen (-9) instead heels Fitzpatrick just one shot away.
