The 72ndOpen D’Italia presented by Damiani is set for a star-studded start on Thursday morning, when Italy’s Number One Francesco Molinari will get his bid for a second Italian Open title underway at Golf Club Milano.
Molinari, winner of his national Open in Milan seven years ago, will undoubtedly have the vast majority of the early morning support on the tenth tee at 08:30, but his playing partners Danny Willett and Miguel Angel Jiménez, will be looking to steal the Italian’s thunder as they seek a fast start to the tournament.
The group before that (08:20 from tee ten) will see Ryder Cup Captain Darren Clarke playing alongside two young men who have every chance of making his 12-man team for Hazeltine next year – James Morrison and Eddie Pepperell. Former Open Champion Stewart Cink will tee off in the company of Nico Colsaerts and Tommy Fleetwood at 08:10.
After a fine Italian lunch (for those lucky enough to be in attendance at Golf Club Milano!), the marquee afternoon groups also feature an impressive bunch of golfing stars.
The ‘youngsters’ group of 21 year old Matt Fitzpatrick, 18 year old Renato Paratore and the ageing 36 year old that is Trevor Fisher Jnr are sure to produce some fireworks from tee one at 13:00.
The next three groups from the first tee will all be in the spotlight, with defending champion Hennie Otto joining Robert Karlsson and David Howell at 13:10 before Padraig Harrington, Edoardo Molinari and Søren Kjeldsen get underway.
Our last big feature group may well be the most popular of the day, as Martin Kaymer, Matteo Manassero and Bernd Wiesberger get their bids for a first Italian Open title off and running.
CLICK HERE FOR FIRST ROUND TEE TIMES
