Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will get an early look at Europe’s next Ryder Cup venue after announcing he will make his DS Automobiles Italian Open debut next month.
The DP World Tour event, which has a total prize fund of $3m, takes place at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome from September 15-18, just over a year before the course plays host to the 2023 Ryder Cup.
McIlroy will look to gather as much knowledge as possible about the revamped layout, which is hosting the Italian Open for the second year running, ahead of his bid to make a seventh consecutive Ryder Cup appearance for Team Europe.
“Not only is the city of Rome steeped in histor,y but so too is their national open, so I am really looking forward to the Italian Open this year,” McIlroy said. “It’s the first time I have played in Italy, and I’ve heard the Italian fans are very passionate, so I’m excited to get out there and experience a new challenge.”
McIlroy’s appearance in Italy will be one of three in a four-week stretch on the DP World Tour, having already committed to playing the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth from September 8-11 and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland from September 29-October 2.
