Tyrrell Hatton will begin his defence of the Italian Open in the company of Matteo Manassero and Rafa Cabrera Bello when play gets under way in the second Rolex Series event of the year.
Hatton, who birdied the 72nd hole at Golf Club Milano last October to win by one, is back this week at Gardagolf Country Club looking to become the first player to win the Italian Open in back to back years since Frenchman Auguste Boyer in 1930-31.
The Englishman will play the first two days alongside four-time European Tour winner and home favouriteMananssero and Spanish Ryder Cup starCabrera Bellofrom 13.30 on Thursday.
Elsewhere, two-time Italian Open winner and another national hero,Francesco Molinariwill return to action in his home country one week on from his memorable triumph at Wentworth Club in the BMW PGA Championship.
Molinari, who won his national Open in 2006 and again in 2016, is out at 08.40 in the first round with EnglishmanRoss Fisher, fresh off a top ten at Wentworth, and Belgium’sThomas Pieters.
World Number 17Alex Noren finished tied third last week in his defence on the West Course and the Swede will be looking to continue that form from 08.30 on Thursday alongside England’sMatt Fitzpatrickand FrenchmanAlex Levy, while Race to Dubai ChampionTommy Fleetwoodtees off at 13.40 in the company of double Italian Open winnerIan Poulter and Northern Ireland’sGraeme McDowell.
Ever-popular veteranMiguel Angel Jimenezmakes his first European Tour appearance since the Desert Swing this week and the Spaniard is out at 08.00 with England’sEddie Pepperell and compatriotAdrian Otaegui, who won the Belgian Knockout two weeks ago.
Martin Kaymer, who lost out in a play-off to Rikard Karlberg in this event three years ago, is grouped with Master’s ChampionDanny Willett, fresh from a top ten at Wentworth, and Italian speed-merchantRenato Paratorefrom 08.50.
Connor Syme will get the 75th Italian Open under way at 07.30 on Thursday morning.
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