Selection of Molinaris highlights progress of Italian golf
Although there are signs of change and a development programme to encourage youngsters to take up the game, the sport remains largely confined to the wealthier end of society in Italy.
Indeed, Costantino Rocca, the first and only Italian to have played in the event, came through the caddying ranks.
He played in the Ryder Cups of 1993, ‘95 and ‘97, winning six and losing five of his 11 matches, his greatest moment coming when he beat Tiger Woods by 4 and 2 to help Europe to victory at Valderrama in 1997.
By winning the World Cup last November, the Molinari brothers have introduced golf to a wider audience and the sport’s chiefs hope the reap the benefits in the years to come.
By comparison, the profile of golf has never been higher in this country with three players (Pádraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell), three caddies (Ronan Flood, JP Fitzgerald, Colin Byrne) and two vice captains (Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke) involved at Celtic Manor.
After another disappointing finish in the Barclays Championship in New Jersey, Harrington’s mood brightened when informed of Colin Montgomerie’s team announcement.
He said: “I’m delighted to have been selected as one of Colin’s wildcard picks for this year’s Ryder Cup matches and hope to reward his faith in me with some strong performances for the European team. I can’t wait to be part of the team at Celtic Manor and hope that the experience I have gathered in my previous appearances will be of benefit to the team.’’
Needless to say, many British commentators are already telling Harrington that he must repay Monty’s faith in spades. One newspaper report stated: “There will be huge pressure on the Irishman to justify getting the nod over Paul Casey and Justin Rose, whose partnership with Ian Poulter was the best thing about the last Ryder Cup as far as Europe was concerned.’’
“There was no way the Scot would ride into Celtic Manor without his faithful Tonto beside him,” was one observer’s way of describing the captain’s decision.
The same writer wondered: “What happened to the player who won three majors in 13 months? The answer is he has become the golfer he was before that time – a consistent performer at the highest level without ever dominating.”
Harrington need be under no illusions. Those who believe he was given favourable treatment by an old pal are lining him up in their gun sights should he fail to deliver at Celtic Manor.
On the other hand, it might behove those criticising Monty’s picks to consider how those players who have given preference to the millions on offer in the States rather than their own domestic tour have been performing of late.
Ironically, Paul Casey was best of the Europeans in the Barclays, 12th on 7 under par. Luke Donald and Ian Poulter tied for 15th on 6 under; Harrington was 47th on one under and Rory McIlroy was back in 56th place on one over. McDowell’s form slumped so much after his US Open triumph that he has taken a month off and such is the concern about Lee Westwood’s ongoing calf muscle problem that there is talk of bringing along a 13th man.
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