Italian Open: Preview, betting tips, how to watch

The DP World Tour is back in Europe for the first time in 2023, for an important and intriguing week.

This year’s Italian Open has a new spot on the calendar, as it moves from September to May. That’s so the host course, Marco Simone, can accommodate this year’s Ryder Cup.

All of that, of course, could make this a telling week for those hoping to muscle their way into Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup team. The likes of Victor Perez, Yannik Paul, Adrian Meronk and many others will fancy their chances to put in a performance that Donald can’t ignore.

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Unfortunately, the move in the calendar has weakened the field at Marco Simone this year. In 2022, Robert MacIntyre was the champion, and although the Scot is defending his title, the likes of Fitzpatrick, McIlroy and Hatton, who he held off to seal the biggest win of his career so far, are all stateside.

If you’re a spectator this week, you can get in for FREE, all you need to do is register online.

This is the third time the course will have hosted the national open, and it’s the third time DS Automobiles are sponsoring the event.

Here’s the Italian Open preview.

Italian Open details

Course: Marco Simone GC, Rome, Italy

Course stats: Par 71, 7,255 yards

Defending champion: Robert MacIntyre

Purse: $3,250,000

Italian Open betting tips

Here’s who the bookies expect to challenge for the title this week…

Rasmus Højggard 18/1

Robert MacIntyre 20/1

Nicolai Højgaard 20/1

Jordan Smith 22/1

Victor Perez 22/1

Adrian Meronk 28/1

Thorbjørn Olesen 30/1

Antoine Rozner 30/1

Yannik Paul 33/1

Jorge Campillo 33/1

The bunkered Bet

Adrian Meronk

A solid performance last week, particularly with the driver, helped the Pole to his fifth top-25 finish of the season. Since winning the Australian Open at the end of last year he’s been knocking on the door of another win, and he’ll be hoping a strong performance here can help him into Luke Donald’s team.

All odds correct at time of publication. Please gamble responsibly.

📍DS Automobiles 80° Open d’Italia

Dove il #golf diventa storia ✨

📆 4-7 maggio
⛳ @marcosimonegolf

📣 Ingresso gratuito, non perdere un'occasione unica!
Il link per registrarsi 👉 https://t.co/YrGr7MmCs0#ItalianOpen #golf pic.twitter.com/S9w4y853Bj

— Open d'Italia (@ItalianOpen) April 27, 2023

Italian Open preview – how to watch

Here’s how you can tune in to this week’s action

For UK viewers, the coverage will be on Sky Sports Golf from Thursday to Sunday

Thursday: Sky Sports Golf, 12.30pm

Friday: Sky Sports Golf, 12.30pm

Saturday: Sky Sports Golf, 12.30pm

Sunday: Sky Sports Golf, 12.30pm

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Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor