(ANSA) - Rome, August 21 - One tweet was all it took to get
the major golf circuits to move, starting a debate that was also
characterised by controversy, followed by a turnaround.
Edoardo Molinari told ANSA he is enthusiastic about a new
plan by the European Tour that aims to reduce slow play starting
in 2020, calling the move "revolutionary".
The plan, through technology and innovation, will discipline
slow players with measures including fines and penalties.
"It's a first step, but an important one that will allow for
unmasking shady players on the green," Molinari said.
"The fines, which will be more than tripled, and will be
imposed on those who break the rules, is a factor that really
hit me. As well as how it will be interesting to be timed even
while in a swinging position. I'm curious to see the effects
these changes can produce. Relieving the problem of slow play is
needed in order to raise awareness of the problems," he said.
Meanwhile, on the green, Molinari has had three placements in
the top 10 of the last six events and said victory seems "truly
close", with his last one in 2017 with the Trophèe Hassan II in
Morocco.
"To prevail, there must be the perfect week. I've been
playing consistently for months, now I only have to try to get
more consistent in the four days of competition," he said.
The 38-year-old will make his attempt in the upcoming
Scandinavian International, Thursday through Sunday in Goteborg,
Sweden, a European Tour tournament.
"I really like the Hills Golf and Sports Club. I'm going to
give it my all," he said.
Looking to the future, Molinari has the Italian Open in his
sights, which will take place October 10-13 in Rome.
"On the field in Olgiata in 2009 I won a tournament in the
Challenge Tour, the Roma Golf Federation. I hope I can do it
again. Playing such an important competition before an Italian
audience is a source of pride," he said.
Molinari called the Italian Open "one of the key dates
between now and the end of the year", after which he will look
towards the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
"It would be really wonderful to play in the Olympics with
Francesco. I wasn't in shape in 2016; the road to Rio de Janeiro
was continually uphill and unreachable. But many things have
changed since then and I feel I'm on the right road. I think I
can get back to 2009-2010 levels, the golden years. If I
continue at this pace I could have a shot," he said.
He is also thinking ahead to the 2022 Ryder Cup, scheduled at
the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Guidonia Montecelio
outside of Rome.
"One of my objectives is to play one more Ryder Cup. Being
able to do it in Rome, therefore in Italy, would truly be a
dream," he said.
Molinari said he also wants to bring more young people to the
sport of golf, which is the motivation behind the Edoardo
Molinari Golf Academy, at the Royal Park I Roveri Golf Club in
Turin.
"After a year of work the result is truly positive. We are
aiming at young people and the goal is to help them grow and
have fun. We have doubled the number of students and we're
aiming high. The most satisfying thing is seeing the smiles of
these young athletes and their parents," he said.
There are now over 100 students signed up at the Academy.
Molinari, also known as "Dodo", is a guide and source of
inspiration leading the new generation towards a sport that is
becoming increasingly younger.