Costantino Rocca said an emotional goodbye to The European Tour on Friday as he played his final competitive round at his home tournament.
There were emotional scenes on the 18th green as the 72° OPEN D'ITALIA presented by DAMIANI witnessed the retirement of one of the great figures in Italian golf.
Rocca played his first European Tour event in 1982 and racked up five wins in a 33-year career, including triumphing at the 1996 Volvo PGA Championship.
The 58 year old also lost to Jon Daly in play off at the 1995 Open Championship, the same year that he made a hole in one on the sixth hole at Oak Hill on the way to helping Europe win the Ryder Cup.
He signed for a closing 72 at Golf Club Milano to finish the tournament eight over after an opening 80 on Thursday but that did not dampen the spirits of the fans who held Rocca masks in his honour.
The three-time Ryder Cup player even had a birdie putt on the last and, while the sportsman in him still struggled to contain the disappointment with his score, he was left to reflect on a wonderful career that has inspired a generation of Italian golfers.
"It's fantastic to be here," he said. "It's the last time I'll play the Italian Open. That's better because the younger players are so strong and I like to see the younger players play, I'm not jealous!
"I hope to see Italians coming through. More than two or three, ten or 15."
Rocca was clearly emotional as he strode towards the 18th green and he now hopes that scenes like those today can help inspire more people to take up the game.
"It was fantastic," he said. "I'd like to say thank you to all the people who have supported me during my career and maybe more. Even the people who don't believe me, you have to believe. I do it, most for me, sure, but I do it for golf.
"Golf is a nice game and for me it is a job not a game.
"I'd like to see golf in Italy become more popular, see more people come in and try."
Seven Italian players finished above the cut line at four under including the Molinari brothers, Edoardo and Francesco, two amateurs in Stefano Mazzoli and Lorenzo Scalise, and Lorenzo Gagli and Marco Crespi.
Andrea Perrino leads the bunch at 10 under and he cited Rocca as a major inspiration to all Italian golfers.
"He has been a mentor for all of us," he said. "He's a great person, a great friend.
"He's always been nice with the youngsters, helping us, giving us confidence. It's a shame that he is stopping but I wish him the best."
Nicolas Colsaerts was on the 16th hole as Rocca came up the 18th fairway and the Belgian is sure the reception is a moment that will live with Rocca a long time.
"He's such a nice guy and he's had such an unbelievable career," he said.
"The reception he had on 18, I was on the 16th green so I heard the big roar when he came up and I'm sure it's going to be a moment that he'll cherish forever."
