Irish History at Italian Open

Graeme McDowell was the last Irish winner of the Italian Open in 2004 which was a strong season for the Portrush man on the European Tour with two second places that same season as well. Before McDowell’s win it is back to the eighties for two more Northern Ireland winners with Ronan Rafferty winning in 1989 and then David Feherty in 1986.

This year the Irish challenge will be led by another man in form, Belfastman Gareth Maybin, who is just back into the grove after a second place finish in Korea at the Ballantine’s Championship in Jeju Island.

The other Irish making a bid include Dungannon’s Darren Clarke, who arrives after a 30th place finish last week in Spain, Ballymoney's’ Michael Hoey, County Down resident Simon Thornton and Kilkenny man Gary Murphy, all hoping to make an impact, although the last three all missed the cut in Sevilla.

Of all the players it is Murphy who probably needs the boost most as he has missed seven cuts from nine tournaments this season with the Open de Andalucia, at the end of March, the last time he stayed for weekend play.

Michael Hoey is hoping to build on his 6th place at the Madeira Islands BPI - Portugal Open last month having also made the cut at the Open de Andalucia for a 37th place finish.

Simon Thornton, just new to fatherhood following the birth of his daughter ten days ago, struggled last week also missing his first cut since mid January in South Africa. In his “Rookie” season so far he has recorded two top twenty finishes - at Madeira and Jo'Burg - with a 36th place in Malaga at the Open de Andalucia.

The BMW Italian Open returns to Royal Park I Roveri, Turin and includes the new star local player, Matteo Manassero, who makes his professional debut.

Edoardo Molinari, who with his brother Francesco, steered Italy to its first World Cup triumph six months ago, also plays. The other Italian legend joining them in the €1.3 million event is Constantino Rocca.

Rocca, now playing on the European Senior Tour, paved the way for the current Italian success by winning five European Tour titles and playing in three Ryder Cups. Constantino Rocca will be in Ireland next month for the Irish Seniors Open in Carton House and is a previous winner of the event following his victory in 2007 at Palmerstown House.

Europe’s Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie will also be throwing his eye over some of the Ryder Cup hopefuls.

Argentina’s Daniel Vancsik is defending the title he won last year at the same course.