Marco Simone Golf & Country Club near Rome, Italy, conducted an official opening ceremony for its new course at the start of this week, and makes its tournament debut with the hosting of the Italian Open on the European Tour. The new layout by European Golf Design is a complete rerouting and redesign of the original Jim Fazio and David Mezzacane course at Marco Simone.

The redesign project, led by EGD in cooperation with Tom Fazio II, began in August 2018, with the back nine completed and reopened in October 2020 with the full 18 in play for members by January 2021.

Work focused on creating a golf course that would provide plenty of match play drama given that it will be hosting the 2023 Ryder Cup. The design incorporates numerous risk and reward opportunities and maximises the natural rolling countryside terrain. Spectators will have great vantage points to see the on-course action and will also be able to see Rome in the distance, including St Peter’s Basilica, as well as the Castle of Marco Simone.

“The redesign project at Marco Simone is spectacular and we are delighted to showcase it to a global audience at this week’s Italian Open, giving fans a glimpse of what to expect when the venue welcomes golf’s greatest team contest in 2023,” said European Ryder Cup director Guy Kinnings.

The 2021 Italian Open began yesterday, and it is only the second time that Marco Simone has hosted the tournament, having previously done so in 1994. It will host two further editions in 2022 and 2023. “After 27 years Marco Simone Golf & Country Club is excited to host the prestigious Italian Open and we are delighted to welcome the world’s best golfers to our newly renovated course,” said Lavinia Biagiotti, president of Marco Simone Golf & Country Club.

Further work at Marco Simone includes a clubhouse renovation, which will be completed next year, and a new practice ground that will be built in spring 2022.