Reigning Open Champion Shane Lowry has confirmed he will join 2018 Champion Golfer of the Year and home favourite Francesco Molinari in field for the Italian Open – the fifth Rolex Series event of the 2019 Race to Dubai – in Rome from October 10-13.
The Irishman succeeded Molinari The 148th Open Champion with his remarkable maiden Major triumph as Northern Ireland hosted the famous Championship for the first time in 68 years - hoisting the Claret Jug into the air in front of thousands of cheering fans, after playing his way to an incredible six shot victory at Royal Portrush.
He joins a star-studded line up at Olgiata Golf Club which includes Molinari - the Italian teeing it up on home soil for the first time in 18 months following a remarkable run of success, including his starring role in Europe’s Ryder Cup win in France claiming five points from five matches – plus former World Number One Justin Rose, Ryder Cup star Paul Casey and many others.
Tickets to see them in action are available now by clicking here.
“I’m excited to be back in Italy this year and especially in an amazing city like Rome,” said Lowry, the current leader in the Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex. “The Italian fans love their sport and to play here as the Open Champion, alongside Fran since his incredible win at Carnoustie, I think it will be a special week.
“I know the Italian Open has been played at Olgiata in the past and I have heard the course is one of the best in the country, so I expect it to be a good challenge and when you are playing against some of the best players in the world, it’s always going to be entertaining for the fans as well.
The 32 year old will make his third appearance in Italy as he targets a second Rolex Series title following his win at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA in January, and with significant qualification points on offer for The 2020 Ryder Cup, he will be hoping to continue his recent run of form.
“The win in Abu Dhabi was massive for me. It was a big tournament and a quality field, plus the first Rolex Series event of the season, so it helped confidence wise and that winning feeling has really spurred me on this season when I needed it most.
“The Italian Open has a great place in the history of golf in Europe and with The 2022 Ryder Cup coming to Rome, this event will keep getting stronger every year. Especially with Ryder Cup qualification and big Race to Dubai points on offer, playing well is going to help set me up for the end of the year.”
Molinari, the 2018 Champion Golfer of the Year, became the first Italian to win his national open twice since the event joined the European Tour International Schedule in 1972 and will have a third Italian Open title in his sights at the 76th edition of the historic tournament.
Located 15 miles north of Rome, Olgiata Golf Club is a magnificent classic tree-lined parkland golf course, and the perfect day out for all the family in Rome, with the Italian Open offering fantastic food and drink outlets in the championship village, as well as retail experiences and entertainment for all ages.
Located 15 miles north of Rome, Olgiata Golf Club is a magnificent classic tree-lined parkland golf course, and the perfect day out for all the family in Rome, with the Italian Open offering fantastic food and drink outlets in the championship village, as well as retail experiences and entertainment for all ages.
Fans can buy tickets to see some of the world’s best golfers at www.openditaliagolf.eu/en/tickets/. Children under 18 years of age are entitled to free entry when accompanied by a ticket holding adult.
