Molinari hails plan to curb slow play

(ANSA) - Rome, August 21 - One tweet was all it took to get the major golf circuits to move, starting a debate that was also characterised by controversy, followed by a turnaround.
    Edoardo Molinari told ANSA he is enthusiastic about a new plan by the European Tour that aims to reduce slow play starting in 2020, calling the move "revolutionary".
    The plan, through technology and innovation, will discipline slow players with measures including fines and penalties.
    "It's a first step, but an important one that will allow for unmasking shady players on the green," Molinari said.
    "The fines, which will be more than tripled, and will be imposed on those who break the rules, is a factor that really hit me. As well as how it will be interesting to be timed even while in a swinging position. I'm curious to see the effects these changes can produce. Relieving the problem of slow play is needed in order to raise awareness of the problems," he said.
    Meanwhile, on the green, Molinari has had three placements in the top 10 of the last six events and said victory seems "truly close", with his last one in 2017 with the Trophèe Hassan II in Morocco.
    "To prevail, there must be the perfect week. I've been playing consistently for months, now I only have to try to get more consistent in the four days of competition," he said.
    The 38-year-old will make his attempt in the upcoming Scandinavian International, Thursday through Sunday in Goteborg, Sweden, a European Tour tournament.
    "I really like the Hills Golf and Sports Club. I'm going to give it my all," he said.
    Looking to the future, Molinari has the Italian Open in his sights, which will take place October 10-13 in Rome.
    "On the field in Olgiata in 2009 I won a tournament in the Challenge Tour, the Roma Golf Federation. I hope I can do it again. Playing such an important competition before an Italian audience is a source of pride," he said.
    Molinari called the Italian Open "one of the key dates between now and the end of the year", after which he will look towards the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
    "It would be really wonderful to play in the Olympics with Francesco. I wasn't in shape in 2016; the road to Rio de Janeiro was continually uphill and unreachable. But many things have changed since then and I feel I'm on the right road. I think I can get back to 2009-2010 levels, the golden years. If I continue at this pace I could have a shot," he said.
    He is also thinking ahead to the 2022 Ryder Cup, scheduled at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Guidonia Montecelio outside of Rome. "One of my objectives is to play one more Ryder Cup. Being able to do it in Rome, therefore in Italy, would truly be a dream," he said.
    Molinari said he also wants to bring more young people to the sport of golf, which is the motivation behind the Edoardo Molinari Golf Academy, at the Royal Park I Roveri Golf Club in Turin. "After a year of work the result is truly positive. We are aiming at young people and the goal is to help them grow and have fun. We have doubled the number of students and we're aiming high. The most satisfying thing is seeing the smiles of these young athletes and their parents," he said.
    There are now over 100 students signed up at the Academy.
    Molinari, also known as "Dodo", is a guide and source of inspiration leading the new generation towards a sport that is becoming increasingly younger.