The Italian Open will return to Golf Club Torino in 2014 after a highly successful staging of the €1.5 million tournament at the Turin venue this year.
Frenchman Julien Quesne won the 70th edition of the Open d’Italia Lindt when it was held at Golf Club Torino in September. It was the second time the Italian Open had been played over the 7,208 yards, par 72 Championship course, which first hosted the tournament in 1999.
The Molinari brothers, Edoardo and Francesco, both learned to play the game at Golf Club Torino, which is located in the heart of La Mandria Park, to the north west of Turin.
Francesco, who is still attached to the club, co-led the tournament at the midway stage this year, before finishing in a tie for 16th place behind Quesne.
The three-time European Tour champion, who won his national Open in 2006, said: “It’s good news for me and for the tournament. I always enjoy playing the Italian Open anyway, but this year it was extra special to play at my home club. It was great fun for me to go and play where I grew up. I think it was a huge success from everybody’s point of view, so I’m sure there will be a lot of guys happy to go back there.
“It was obviously disappointing to fall away at the weekend, after playing so well for the first two days. But it’s nice to get another chance to do well next year, so I’ll try to not disappoint the fans. They were great to me this year, and I’m sure we’ll get good crowds again next year.”
George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “This year’s Open d’Italia Lindt was a huge success, thanks in no small part to the excellent condition of the course at Golf Club Torino, which was very well received by our Members. Great credit must go to Lorenzo Silva, the President of the Golf Club, and all his staff for making the week such an enjoyable one for both players and spectators alike.
“We must acknowledge the commitment and support of the Italian Golf Federation, and also give thanks to Lindt whose title sponsorship contributed hugely to the success of this year’s tournament. We look forward to returning to Golf Club Torino next year.”
Alessandro Rogato, President of the Organising Committee of the Italian Open, said: “Golf Club Torino proved an excellent host venue this year, so it’s great news that the tournament will return there next year. The help and support we received from everyone at the club was crucial to the success of the week, so we’re very much looking forward to working with them again.”
The 2014 Italian Open will be the final counting event in the qualification for the 2014 European Ryder Cup team.
