The DP World Tour had a superb flagship event last weekend, even though it was reduced to 54 holes due to the sad passing of HRH Elizabeth II. Shane Lowry was victorious after a brilliant Sunday finish, ultimately pipping Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm at the final hurdle. Now we have a step down in quality, but still an interesting looking field for the Italian Open.  We’ve analysed the field and picked out a selection of golfers who we think will be worth following.

Italian Open 2022 Tips

History

The Italian Open is the national golf championship of Italy and dates way back to 1925. It has been a regular fixture on the old European Tour since 1971 and is one of the few events that has been on the schedule every year since. In 2017 it was included as part of the Rolex Series of events, meaning far increased prize money and therefore stronger fields but that was revoked in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. It was won last season by the Dane Nicolai Højgaard with a score of -13.

The Course

The course has changed many times over the years with the likes of Villa d’Este, Monticello, Acquasanta, Is Molas, Castello Tolcinasco. Royal Park i Roveri and Olgiata featuring numerous times. The last two tournaments and the 2023 edition have been selected to be held at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome, which is also the host of the 2023 Ryder Cup.

The 18 hole Championship Course has been renovated in time for the Ryder Cup and has been lengthened and widened. It is a 7268 yard par 71 track and tends to favour big hitting drivers of the ball. As shown by Højgaard’s winning score last year of 13 under, it is certainly no pushover. There is also a fair degree of bad weather forecast this weekend so that could add to the difficulty factor.

The Field

The field is dominated by players who are wanting to get a good look at the course in preparation for next year’s Ryder Cup. After his 2nd placed finish last week, Rory McIlroy hangs around for another week on the DP Tour and is a huge favourite this week. The 7/2 on offer is along the lines of the price Tiger Woods used to be on a weekly basis in his pomp. There are also the likes of Tyrell Hatton, Viktor Hovland and Matt Fitzpatrick who will all be looking to get a feel for this course in prep for wearing the Team Europe colours next year. Notably, Francesco Molinari will play in his home Championship, after a decent 9th placed finish last week.  

Italian Open Odds

Rasmus Højgaard each-way (1/5 6 places) – 40/1

It’s really hard to look beyond McIlroy at the head of the betting but the 7/2 on offer is way too short for me to get involved with. I’m starting my selections just beyond the main favourites and last year’s winner, Nicolai Højgaard’s twin brother Rasmus. The younger of the brothers by a few minutes, Rasmus is slightly shorter than Nicolai off the tee but is still ranking 11th on tour for driving distance. 

Højgaard has had a very solid year on tour, with just four missed cuts alongside eight Top 25’s. He is still waiting for his first win of 2022 however, and this could be a great opportunity to add to his three existing tour wins. 

Richard Mansell each-way (1/5 6places) – 45/1

Another huge driver of the ball, Mansell ranks 9th in distance on the tour and is another putting together an impressive year. The 27-year-old Englishman has picked up 8 Top 25’s, including three Top 5’s. This course looks made for him and I wouldn’t be surprised to see amongst the contenders this weekend.

Adri Arnaus each-way (1/5 6 places) – 50/1

Spain’s Adri Arnaus is a frustrating golfer, often flitting in and out of form, but again is perfectly suited to this course. He ranks 6th for driving distance and finished 12th here last year. These fairways are way more forgiving than the courses at which he has missed cuts in recent weeks and he will be able to bomb it off the tee. He has three Top 10’s this year and don’t be shocked if he adds to that this week. 

Tapio Pulkannen each-way (1/5 6 places) – 150/1

My outsider for this week’s event is Finland’s Tapio Pulkannen. The 32-year-old has had an up and down year, missing 10 cuts alongside seven Top 25 finishes. Pulkannen ranks in the top 10 on tour for driving distance so will be able to smash it around this track at his own will.   

Golf Betting Odds