Matteo Delpodio is hoping he can return to winning ways when he goes back to Rome – the city where he claimed his maiden European Challenge Tour title last season.
Teeing it up at the Italian Challenge Terre dei Consoli on the outskirts of his nation’s capital city, the Italian will be looking to recapture the golden touch which drove him to a three shot victory at the EMC Challenge Open 12 months ago.
The 31 year old, who earned a European Tour card after coming through Qualifying School in 2012, has endured a mixed campaign on Europe’s top developmental tour so far, recording three top 20 finishes in 18 events.
But the Turin man is looking forward to going back to his homeland – and is looking to feed off the energy of the local support at Terre dei Consoli Golf Club.
“Of course I’m looking forward to it. Last year I had a great week,” he said. “This year it’s not the best season ever so it would be nice to have another great week on home soil.
“It was one of the best golf weeks of my life. My mum was there for the first time ever, since I turned pro, the course was super tough and super good and we were in Italy so they expect you to win and perform well.
“It’s good because it gives you a lot of energy but puts you under a lot of pressure because everyone’s eyes are on you. I really enjoyed that week and will never forget that week.
“This year the course is different, unfortunately. I don’t know the course but I’m really looking forward to it.”
Delpodio, who currently sits in 67th position on the 2016 Road to Oman, recorded his best result of the season in Ireland last month with a tied fourth place finish, and is quietly confident that he is not far away from another big performance in the closing weeks of the season.
“I’m playing alright, I’d say. I’m not playing too bad,” he said. “This week I’ve been creating opportunities. I think I’m playing okay. There’s a small margin between top 40 and top five, so I’ll work hard to close this gap.
“There are lots of big events still to come. It’s the right time to get into good shape and play well because many things can change now with big prize money. It’ll be interesting to play the final series and see what happens.”
