The penultimate European Swing tournament of the DP World Tour season is also one of the most prestigious this year – the Italian Open.
For the last three editions, the event has taken place at the venue for the 2023 Ryder Cup, Marco Simone, but this year, the honor goes to Adriatic Golf Club, the first time it has been held there.
Players will be competing for the largest non-Rolex Series purse of the DP World Tour season so far, with $3.25m on offer at the event, which is entirely appropriate for a tournament with a rich history that has seen some of the biggest names the game has seen lift the trophy, including Jose Maria Olazabal, Bernhard Langer and Greg Norman.
The 2023 event was won by Adrian Meronk, but he will not be here to defend his title after signing for LIV Golf at the start of the year. Back then, Meronk won $552,500 from an identical purse to this year’s tournament, meaning whoever lifts the trophy on Sunday will claim the same amount. The runner-up will bank $357,500.
With only the BMW International Open to come in the European Swing phase of the season, competition is heating up for the bonus $200,000 that will be handed to the winner of the section, along with entry to each of the Back 9 tournaments and the Genesis Scottish Open.
Nacho Elvira currently leads the way ahead of Laurie Canter and Guido Migliozzi, who won last week’s KLM Open in the Netherlands.
There are also two places available in The Open at Royal Troon, with the top two players not otherwise exempt making it to the Major.
Below is the prize money payout for the Italian Open.
Italian Open Prize Money Payout
Who Are The Star Names In The Italian Open?
One of the biggest names in the field is LIV Golf's Patrick Reed, who is appearing on a tournament invitation and makes his first DP World Tour appearance since the 2023 Dubai Desert Classic.
Local hero Guido Migliozzi couldn’t be heading into the tournament at a better time after his win at the KLM Open, and he will be hoping to delight the home fans with a similar performance this week as he looks for his fifth DP World Tour triumph.
Another Italian to watch is Matteo Manassero, who is enjoying an impressive career revival that included his first DP World Tour win for nearly 11 years at the Jonsson Workwear Open and an appearance at the US Open. Three-time DP World Tour winner Edoardo Molinari also plays.
Spain is also well represented at the tournament, with current leader of the European Swing phase Nacho Elvira among them, who will be hoping to consolidate his position this week. Other Spaniards who will fancy their chances include Volvo China Open winner Adrian Otaegui and nine-time DP World Tour winner Pablo Larrazzabal.
Former winners of the tournament in the field include 2020 champion Ross McGowan and Bernd Wiesberger, who claimed victory in 2019, while there is also a place for 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett.
What Is The Prize Money Payout For The Italian Open?
The Italian Open is one of the most lucrative of the DP World Tour season, with a purse of $3.25m. So far this season, only Rolex Series event the Dubai Desert Classic has offered more. The winner will earn $552,500.
Who Won The 2023 Italian Open?
In 2023, Adrian Meronk won the tournament at Marco Simone. That appeared to make the Pole a safe bet for a Ryder Cup place, particularly as the match was played at the same venue. However, he missed out on a wildcard and has since signed for LIV Golf.
