McIlroy confirms he will compete in Italy in September as one of three DP World Tour starts in a four-week stretch; New FedExCup champion to also play the BMW PGA Championship and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
Monday 29 August 2022 16:33, UK
Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will get an early look at Europe’s next Ryder Cup venue after announcing he will make his DS Automobiles Italian Open debut next month.
The DP World Tour takes place at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club on the outskirts of Rome from September 15-18, live on Sky Sports, just over a year before the course plays host to the 2023 edition of the Ryder Cup for the first time.
McIlroy will look to gather as much knowledge as possible about the revamped layout, which is hosting the Italian Open for the second successive year, ahead of his bid to make a seventh consecutive Ryder Cup appearance for Team Europe.
"Not only is the city of Rome steeped in history but so too is their national open, so I am really looking forward to the Italian Open this year," McIlroy said.
"It's the first time I have played in Italy, and I've heard the Italian fans are very passionate, so I'm excited to get out there and experience a new challenge."
McIlroy's appearance in Italy will be one of three in a four-week stretch on the DP World Tour, having already committed to playing the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth from September 8-11 and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland from September 29-October 2.
The Northern Irishman currently leads the DP World Tour Rankings after claiming third sport at the Sylnc.io Dubai Desert Classic in January and then posting top-eight finishes in all four majors this season, including runner-up at The Masters and third at The Open.
McIlroy has also enjoyed an impressive PGA Tour campaign, following a successful title defence at the RBC Canadian Open in June by overturning a six-shot deficit in the final round of the Tour Championship to become the first three-time winner of the FedExCup.
The 33-year-old is a three-time winner of the DP World Tour's season-long standings although last ended European No 1 in 2015. He also won the Order of Merit in both 2012 and 2014.
US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick is also scheduled to feature in Italy, while Nicolai Hojgaard will return as defending champion after his narrow victory over Tommy Fleetwood and Adrian Meronk in 2021.
Watch the DS Automobiles Italian Open this September live on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins on Thursday September 15 from 12.30pm on Sky Sports Golf.
