The public will be greatly missed
at this week's Italian Open outside Brescia, Brescia-born golfer
Nino Bertasio told ANSA on the eve of the start Wednesday.
"This is a strange year, conditioned by COVID," said the
32-year-old, who placed 72nd in last year's British Open.
"I haven't played a lot, because of the health emergency and
also some back problems recently.
"Without the crowds in the stands it will be a different Italian
Open, as the whole of this season ha been strange. The fans give
you a buzz and they'll be greatly missed by everyone".
The 77th Italian Open runs from Thursday to Sunday at the Chervò
Golf Club San Vigilio at Pozzolengo.
"I like the course," said Bertasio, "and it has characteristics
that make it challenging".
Among the star appearing in Lombardy are two former world number
ones, Germany's Martin Kaymer and England's Lee Westwood, and
five past winners including Austria's Bernd Wiesberger.
But Bertasio's tip is England''s Matt Wallace, who came second
in the Scottish Championship that ended Sunday with a
four-stroke win for Spain's Adrian Otaegui.
Bertasio said Wallace "is playing well, he's solid from tee to
green and has won many events in Italy on the Alps Tour.
"He's in form and he's an excellent player".
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