The big names in Italian golf in the United Arab Emirates were among the great protagonists of the opening round – suspended prematurely due to the arrival of darkness – of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. In the first event of the Rolex Series of the DP World Tour 2023, Guido Migliozzi is second with 65 (-7) just one shot from the top occupied by Luke Donald, leader with 64 (-8).
While the Molinari brothers, Francesco and Edoardo, share the fifth position with 67 (-5).
Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, results
Towards the Ryder Cup 2023 in Rome, scheduled from 29 September to 1 October on the ‘Marco Simone’ course, this is the signal sent by the Azzurri.
And if Edoardo Molinari in the Eternal City will be among the vice-captains of the Europe team, Migliozzi and Francesco Molinari are aiming for a place in the team. Ironically, in front of Migliozzi in Abu Dhabi there is Donald (for him nine birdies, of which four consecutive in the final, and a bogey) who in a few months will lead the Old Continent in the challenge to the USA.
Migliozzi, who started from the 10th hole, scored an eagle (at 1, par 4) and five birdies in the United Arab Emirates. Test without spots also for Chicco Molinari, who signed five birdies against the seven of his brother Edoardo (for him, however, also two bogeys).
After the success in the Hero Cup – where the Continental Europe team defeated Tommy Fleetwood’s Great Britain & Ireland – Migliozzi and Francesco Molinari therefore continue to shine. “I’m happy, I played really well from tee to green.
There’s still a long way to go but I’m satisfied for having started the tournament on the right foot”, Migliozzi satisfied at the end of the first round. Alongside Migliozzi, in 2nd position, is the Australian Jason Scrivener.
While in 4/a with 66 (-6) here is the Irishman Seamus Power. Tussle in 5th place where there are five other competitors with the Molinaris. While the Swede Henrik Stenson – returning to the DP World Tour for the first time after being relieved of his role as captain of team Europe at the Ryder Cup because he moved to the Arab Superleague, LIV Golf – is 12/o with 68 (-4 ).
The same score also for the English Fleetwood who turns 32 today. Instead, a disappointing start for Thomas Pieters. The Belgian, who defends the title conquered in 2022, is 84/o with 73 (+1). Instead, 18 players are called to complete the first round before starting the second. But the ranking, at least as regards the upper floors, will not undergo major changes.
