ITALIAN OPEN

September 16, 2022

Matt Fitzpatrick

Marco Simone Golf & Country Club

Quick Quotes

Q. Interesting morning to say the very least, you had to finish up yesterday's round this mornng, two birdies out of the three. Can you just sum up the day for us?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Pretty inconsistent really. I've played some really good stuff. Started off, came back from the delay, played really well on my front nine, starting on 10 this morning. Sloppy mistakes which was obviously disappointing but plenty of birdies which was always a positive.

Q. Amazing five birdies in a row, but nevertheless, in terms of the course and the setup, what do you think is possible? What's the real defence of the place?

MATT FITZPATRICK: I think off the tee you've got to drive it well. I think this rough is really penal. You miss the fairway, you are pretty much wedging it out. You've got to drive it well. You've got a little bit of luck as well sometimes with the lies.

Q. You played with Edoardo Molinari, vice captain of The Ryder Cup next year, given he also has heavy involvement with your stats, how was the camaraderie? Was it quite relaxed out there? Was he helping you out more so than other weeks perhaps?

MATT FITZPATRICK: I had a great three-ball, me, Viktor and Edoardo. Felt very relaxed the first two days which was nice. Had a good two days.

Q. Minus eight, how is your game?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Up-and-down, plenty of birdies but plenty of bogeys, too. Obviously pleased with the start I made this morning. But going into the weekend, position I'm in, I'm very happy.

Q. What do you think about The Ryder Cup course?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Yeah, it's going to be great. The holes are set up for crowds to be surrounded. The viewing is pretty good. I'm sure the atmosphere is going to be fantastic next year and in a year's time.

Q. I think you've played a lot of Italian Opens, five, six?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Yeah, I love Italy. Italy is one of my favourite countries in the world for sure. I particularly love coming to Rome. Big football fan. I came in December to watch Roma, and yeah, obviously the people and food and culture, I really enjoy my time here.

Q. I think this is a test for The Ryder Cup. Are you in the team?

MATT FITZPATRICK: I don't know. We'll see in a year's time. Hopefully but yeah that's the plan. The goal is to make the team but we'll see.

Q. Pasta, pizza, canneloni?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Pasta.