Golf Course Architecture - Issue 66, October 2021

64 This is apparent from the outset, with the first hole located in a natural basin, which also accommodates the downhill par-three seventh, driveable par-four sixteenth and the par-three seventeenth. “This area is our little touch on the Colosseum, with the basin giving a view of at least three holes from any one point,” says Sampson. “When routing the course, we felt this was the key part of the site for a Ryder Cup, and we consciously made sure that we routed holes from different key points within the round back to this basin. Players dip in and out of this ‘valley’, providing a great spot for spectators and hospitality units.” Significant tree management was also undertaken to maximise viewing opportunities. “There were quite a lot of areas that had become unkempt and overgrown since Marco Simone first opened 30 years ago,” says Sampson. “The trees and bushes had grown to the extent that the site had lost its great views. We’ve stripped it back to clean up the site and open those views for both the golfer and spectator. “The one thing that I think will be remembered from this Ryder Cup is the long-distance views of numerous golf holes, which we feel is extremely important. What the club has done over the last three or four months is manage and trim the trees and it’s really given the course a neat and tidy look. This trimming work has allowed the umbrella pines to take centre stage and you can quite clearly see that this is a Rome course and authentically Italian.” Marco Simone hosted the Italian Open for the first time in 27 years in “ I consciously routed the course so most of the risk and reward holes come on the back nine” Heavily protected greens on the par-five closing hole and (top) par-four twelfth MARCO S IMONE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB Photos: Marco Simone Golf and Country Club