European Tour Fantasy Golf: 2019 Italian Open at Olgiata

The European Tour travels to Italy for one it’s prestigious Rolex series events, the 2019 Italian Open. This tournament will present the fantasy golf community with an elite field of talent.

Before I dive into my fantasy golf and Draftkings selections let’s briefly look at the golf course the field will play and my key statistics for the event.

The 2019 Italian Open will be played at Olgiata Golf Club in Largo Olgiata, Italy. This course is a par 71 that measures approximately 7,523 yards. This track is a tree-lined course that has three par 5 holes. Water is in play on five of the holes on the golf course. This course also offers large green complexes.

Unfortunately, the Italian Open does not play on the same course each year. Due to this fact, fantasy golf players will not have a wealth of course history to evaluate as they construct player pools for Draftkings contests. This course last hosted the Italian Open in 2002.

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In my opinion, if a golfer wants to be in contention on Sunday, that golfer will need to be hitting greens in regulation at a very high rate. Failure to hit these large green complexes at a high rate will likely lead to a high number of bogeys or worse.

The key statistics I will be focusing on for this event are driving accuracy, GIR (greens in regulation), scrambling, and strokes gained putting.

Francesco Molinari $10,900

I am leading my selections for this event with a player that is known as one of the best ball strikers in the world, Francesco Molinari. Quite simply, the Italian is currently the 11th ranked golfer in the world for a reason.

Let me elaborate in more detail as to why I am backing Molinari to win the 2019 Italian Open.

As I reviewed Molinari’s event history at the Italian Open, it became apparent to me that the man loves playing in front of his home fans regardless of what course he is presented to play.

Molinari has finished in the top 18 at the Italian Open in six consecutive years! His results at the Italian over that six tournament stretch are: 16th in 2013, 18th in 2014, 20th in 2015, won in 2016, sixth in 2017, second in 2018. I should also note that Molinari also won the Italian Open in 2006.

I mentioned previously in this article that the last time the Italian Open was played at the Olgiata Golf Club was in 2002. Molinari played in that event. He finished 23rd at the 2002 Italian Open. That was 17 years ago. Clearly, Molinari is a much better golfer now than he was in 2002.

As far as the current form goes, Molinari checks that box as well. Molinari finished 14th at the BMW PGA Championship in September, he followed up that result with a 23rd place finish at the Safeway Open.

I love Molinari’s chances to win this week. For me, Francesco is the clear favorite to be on top of the leaderboard on Sunday afternoon.

If you are looking for additional golfers to complete your fantasy golf or Draftkings lineups I also like the following to possibly top 20:

Guido Migliozzi $7,500

The 22 year old Italian has won two tournaments on the European Tour in 2019.

Mikko Korhonen $7,300

Korhonen won the Volvo China Open earlier this year. He has made eight consecutive cuts on the European Tour.

Jeff Winther $7,200

Winther finished fourth at last week’s Open de Espana. He has made the cut in his last seven European Tour events.

Edoardo Molinari $7,200

He has two top 24 finishes in his last four European Tour events.

Lee Slattery $6,900

He has made eight of his last nine cuts on the European Tour. Slattery finished ninth at the Scottish Open in July.

Next. Golf Tips: Keeping a close eye on your scorecard is underrated. dark

If you have any player specific questions, etc. I can be reached on twitter @geeversgolf. As always, good luck this week! Enjoy the 2019 Italian Open!

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