(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 15 - Henrik Stenson said his men will be
fired up for the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome after Team Europe's
resounding defeat to the United States last year, adding that he
will keep a keen eye on Italy's golfers in view of the event.
"We will prepare in the best possible way for the 2023
challenge," Stenson told ANSA in an exclusive interview after
being named Team Europe's captain on Tuesday.
"We come off a defeat that showed all the strength and quality
of the USA, but we will have the crowd on our side in Rome.
"We are hungry for victory".
As for the Italian players, Stenson said three-time Ryder Cup
winner and 2018 Open champion Francesco Molinari is not the only
one he will be watching.
"Francesco Molinari was the best player at the Paris Ryder Cup
in 2018, proving decisive until the end," Stenson said.
"But he won't be the only Italian player I will follow in view
of the 2023 event in Rome.
"I intend to monitor all the tournaments that the Italians are
involved in along with the other European players.
"We have an 18-month journey ahead of us.
"The road is long and it is impossible today to know who the 12
players on the course will be in 2023.
"But I can guarantee that we will be ready. The team will be a
mix of experience and youth.
"I'll do my utmost to give all the players the necessary
support".
The favourites to be in the team include Spain's Jon Rahm and
Norway's Viktor Hovland, the world number one and number three
respectively, and Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy.
Ryder Cup Europe is set to announce the selection criteria soon.
Stenson also spoke about the venue for the 2023 Ryder Cup, the
Marco Simone Golf & Country Club.
"I had the chance to experience the course by taking part in the
2021 Italian Open and I found it to be fantastic," he said.
"I'll follow the preparation of the course as the event
approaches in order to make the most of my players'
characteristics". (ANSA).