Poulter hoping to rekindle Italian memories

Home > News > Poulter hoping to rekindle Italian memories
Returns to the venue where he claimed his second Italian Open title 17 years ago
Posted on
October 9, 2019
by
The Editorial Team in
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Italian Open - Ian Poulter hoping to rekindle memories
Credit: Getty Images

Ian Poulter returns to the venue where he claimed his second Italian Open title 17 years ago hoping that another victory in the Rolex Series event can spark a late push in the Race to Dubai.

“It was a long time ago – 17 years but it is always great to come back to a venue you've won at. It was the last time it was here too so hopefully it will be another great week to enjoy the Italian Open. I have two so it would be lovely to make it three."

The Ryder Cup legend won his maiden European Tour title in the Italian Open when it was played in Sardinia in 2000 and he triumphed again two years later at Olgiata Golf Club – the last time the tournament was played at this week's venue, which is on the outskirts of Rome.

On that occasion, he borrowed a putter from Justin Rose for the week and went on to finish two shots clear of Scotland's Paul Lawrie.

“I remember I did ask Justin for a putter. He had a couple of spares and mine was misbehaving at the time. I asked him and he gave me one. I still have it in the office. I forgot – I should have brought it to see if I can throw it back in but funny little things happen at certain times in events."

Poulter, who goes into the week in 15th position on the Race to Dubai, is now targeting a third Italian Open victory as he seeks a strong end to a 2019 season following a consistent campaign that has already yielded five top ten finishes on the European Tour alongside a share of 12 th at the Masters Tournament.

“It's been a good year. It's definitely been one to sit back, reflect and enjoy. I've only missed three cuts so far this year. All three in Majors. The other one I had chance to win. Consistency has been key. I've played pretty well in a lot of tournaments. I've not finished many off, which I would like to have done. If I can have a nice run now – I'm playing six out of seven weeks in a row. So I'm going to play lot of golf coming up and seeing if I can get on a bit of a run and see if I can have a go at the Race to Dubai and then enjoy Christmas with the kids.”

The Englishman is one of six members of Europe's victorious 2018 Ryder Cup Team in the field for the fifth Rolex Series event of 2019. He is joined by compatriots Rose, Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton, Sweden's Alex Noren and home favourite Francesco Molinari, along with winning Captain Thomas Bjørn and 2020 Captain Padraig Harrington, in the country which will host The 2022 Ryder Cup.

The Editorial Team Avatar

About The Editorial Team

The editorial team at Golf Today strives to provide readers with captivating content that celebrates the rich heritage and exciting developments in the world of golf. Their collective expertise and dedication ensure that Golf Today remains a premier destination for golf enthusiasts seeking the latest news, insightful analysis, and engaging stories from the world of golf.

Join the discussion

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Read Next

Mike Shannon interview

Ambassador / Uswingeyewear, Chief Putting Instructor TPC Sawgrass Tour Performance Center, Ponte Vedra, FL
Historic Showdown at The Masters

Historic Showdown at The Masters

The stage for the 2024 Masters Tournament is set, who will emerge triumphant?
Nick Dougherty launches national fundraising drive

Nick Dougherty launches national fundraising drive

Play your way to Wentworth and support Unleash Your Drive in schools
magnifiercrossmenuchevron-downcross-circle
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram