SIEM STEADY FOR CENTURY CELEBRATION IN TUSCANY
Defending champion Marcel Siem embraces milestone Italian Open with purpose and pride
Las Vegas - Marcel Siem will defend his Italian Open title this week at Argentario Golf Club, marking his first title defence in a decade and returning to Tuscany for the centenary edition of one of Europe’s oldest national opens.
The German, who won last year in a playoff against Tom McKibbin, is aiming to recapture the spark that carried him to his sixth DP World Tour title — part of a late-career renaissance that also saw him win the Hero Indian Open. He missed his title defence in India due to surgery, making this week's event a poignant milestone.
“It’s fantastic. It’s always a special feeling to be able to defend your title,” said Siem. “The Italian fans are emotional like me — they’ve made me feel special. This tournament has so much history, and tomorrow morning on the first tee will be very, very cool.”
Alongside him, Italian hopes rest on Renato Paratore, who is returning to the DP World Tour for the first time since February. Currently leading the HotelPlanner Tour Rankings after back-to-back wins in the UAE, the 27-year-old is eyeing a triumphant comeback. “It’s been a really good year,” said Paratore. “The goal right now is to win the Order of Merit. I’m going to enjoy this week.”
John Parry is another notable figure in the field, having sealed DP World Tour promotion at Argentario last season. “It gives you a positive feeling,” said Parry. “The course suits me and the memories here help — it’s always nice when you know how to play it.”
Celebrating its 100th edition and returning to Tuscany for the first time in 42 years, the $3 million Italian Open sits at a pivotal point in the Race to Dubai and the European Swing. With emotions high and the past echoing across the Tuscan fairways, Siem and company will have history — and opportunity — in their sights.