This article is part of our DraftKings Euro Tour series.
ITALIAN OPEN
Location: Rome
Course: Olgiata Golf Club
Yardage: 7,523
Par: 71
Tournament Preview
This week, the European Tour heads to Rome for the Italian Open. It is the fifth event in the Rolex Series, so this week we will see a stronger field competing for a much larger purse. This year's tournament is being contested at Olgiata Golf Club for the first time since 2002, where Ian Poulter emerged as the winner. Olgiata is a tree-lined parkland course with bunker protected undulating greens. Precision off the tee will be imperative, as will quality approach shots. The field is the strongest this event has seen, so there will be many great choices.
Key Stats to Winning at Olgiata GC
Driving Accuracy
SG: Approach
SG: Putting
Past Champions
2018 - Thorbjorn Olesen
2017 - Tyrrell Hatton
2016 - Francesco Molinari
2015 - Rikard Karlberg
2014 - Hennie Otto
DraftKings Picks
Francesco Molinari - $10,900 (14/1)
I believe Molinari is the obvious play at the top. He gives some savings versus Paul Casey and Justin Rose, with plenty of upside. He will no doubt be dialed in and ready to go in Rome. He has won this event twice and is looking to become the first three-time winner. The course should layout perfectly for his game, and he arrives at Olgiata in good form. He was T23 last time out at the Safeway Open and T14 before that at BMW PGA Championship.
Matthew Fitzpatrick - $9,800 (22/1)
Fitzpatrick's high finishes have cooled off a bit recently, but he has still contended. This week appears to be a great opportunity for him to move back toward the top again. He has had many high finishes throughout his career in Italy. He is ranked ninth on tour in driving accuracy and 11th in SG: putting. Fitzpatrick's consistency this season has been one of the best, missing only one cut in 15 European Tour events.
Matthew Southgate - $7,300 (80/1)
Two weeks ago Southgate finished solo second in Scotland. His season has been hot and cold, but he has shown more consistency recently. He has yet to make a cut in this event, which isn't encouraging. This week, however, with the new schedule, venue and good recent form I expect a much different result. He is extremely accurate off the tee, ranking fifth in driving accuracy and 25th in SG: approach.
James Morrison - $6,800 (150/1)
Morrison finished T15 last week in Spain, scoring a 65 on Sunday. He has shown some good form lately this season. He is still lacking consistency, which is a risk. His highest finish this year came last month at KLM Open where he was solo fourth. He is one of the most accurate drivers on tour and has a solid short game. He has spoken recently of a change in attitude, which may be part of his improved results. He is worth consideration at only $6,800.
