In soccer-mad Italy, 2022 Ryder Cup host Rome warming up for golfing revolution
>> MILAN: Italian golf officials believe hosting the 2022 Ryder Cup can spark a revolution for the sport in the country more known for its love of football.
Some of the world’s top golfers, including Justin Rose, were among the first to congratulate Rome after the Italian capital became only the third host from continental Europe to be chosen to stage the biennial tournament between Europe and the United States.
Rome successfully beat off rival bids from Austria, Germany and Spain and the 44th edition will now be played at the Marco Simone club, located 17km from the capital and which boasts a bird’s-eye view of Saint Peter’s Basilica from the 17th tee.
The Ryder Cup committee’s announcement came t he same morning the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) unveiled their logo for Rome’s bid to host the Olympic Games in 2024.
Although hosting the Ryder Cup could give the Rome 2024 campaign a gentle push, the legacy the tournament would leave behind is what most excites the future hosts.
“We are a country of 60 million people and we have only 100,000 golfers,” Rome’s bid co-ordinator Marco Durante said on Monday.
“There is massive potential to expand the game. Hosting the Ryder Cup will be a great push for our golf movement, and increase participation in our sport.”
In practical terms that means bringing golf, regarded as an elitist sport in football-mad Italy, to the masses: not an easy concept when the majority of clubs are privately-run and often off-limits to aspiring golfers, especially those on a budget.
But Durante added: “The development of the game throughout Italy was an integral part of our bid and we have plans to expand existing initiatives to promote the sport.
“We want to improve access for aspiring players by building driving ranges and introducing golf into schools. We already have an agreement with the ministry of education about including golf in the school programmes.
“Legacy is of paramount importance to me. We’ll focus our campaign on explaining what golf is all about, because many people are unaware.
“We will emphasise its health benefits and the positive effects of playing a sport in which respect for the game, and others, is fundamental.”
Francesco Molinari said: “The interest in golf has been growing the last few years and we’ve been lucky to be part of that movement... hosting the Ryder Cup will be a huge boost for Italian golf.”
His brother Edoardo was quick to thank some of the many professionals who had backed Rome’s 2022 campaign.
He posted a Twitter message earlier which read: “Thanks Justin Rose for your support of #rydercup2022 in Rome. Looking forward to seeing you play there!”
Italy boasts a number of top amateurs but come 2022 it could be time for Matteo Manassero and Renato Paratore — the latest Italian talents to shine on the European tour — to follow in Rocca’s footsteps.