Rory McIlroy played the final event of the tour at Marco Simone. Photo: Getty Images/Stuart Franklin
“Look, we all know how Luke [Donald, Europe captain] asked the green staff to prepare the track,” Harrington told Telegraph Sport. “We know, Americans know, anyone who has watched the Ryder Cup over the last few decades knows. When we go there, the courses are always open and set up for birdies with fast greens.
“But this side of the pond has narrow fairways that get even tighter at 300-320 yards. the yard line, with a penalty rough and very slow green. The US hates slow greens; you are not used to them and they find it difficult to adapt after just a few days of practice. I suppose things could even out if more and more of our kids came to play and live there, but I don't think so, because growing up in different conditions makes Europeans more adaptable. So home advantage is a big advantage.”
Rory McIlroy agrees. The world number two played at last year's Italian Open and came away believing that, despite a redesigned layout that had earned criticism for being «too American» (with man-made water hazards more reminiscent of Florida than the hills overlooking the Eternal City) , Donald could guarantee he prefers blue and gold.
“If you look at the Americans, statistically speaking they are very good from 150 yards and beyond, so we have to try to create courses where It will be difficult to pass install your drives in this range,” he said. «By forcing people to play more conservatively on the first tee, it helps the Europeans.»
However, one emotion will unite both teams. Professional golfers hate blind approaches to greens, and Marco Simone has nine of them.
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