Ian Poulter will rekindle happy memories this week when he returns to Sardinia to defend the Atlanet Italian Open, one of the oldest professional events on The European Tour International Schedule.
The 25 year old Englishman arrived at Is Molas Golf Club 12 months ago trailing Alastair Forsyth in the race for the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award but four stunning rounds in the 60s changed all that.
Poulter's 21 under par total of 267 saw him win his maiden European Tour title, secure the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award, and gave him the confidence to finish 31st on the Volvo Order of Merit, a position he looks certain to improve on this year.
The Englishman, who also won the Moroccan Open this year, is one of a number of former champions who have returned to the sun-kissed island for the penultimate tournament on the 2001 European Tour International Schedule.
Also teeing up are former champions Sandy Lyle, Ronan Rafferty, Eduardo Romero, Patrik Sjöland and Greg Turner.
Emanuele Canonica leads the home challenge in attempting to become the first Italian to win a European Tour event on home soil since Massimo Mannelli won at Rome Golf Club in 1980.
Costantino Rocca was forced to withdraw with an injury to his left wrist on the eve of the tournament.
All competitors at Is Molas Golf Club will find a challenging and intriguing layout on an island which has contributed greatly to the growth of professional golf and The European Tour over the decades.
Designed by Pier Luigi Mancinelli, along with the Cotton, Pennick, Lawrie and Partners Company in 1975, Is Molas hosted two previous Italian Opens prior to 2000, firstly in 1976 when Baldovino Dassu won with 280 and then in 1982 when former European Ryder Cup captain Mark James triumphed on the same mark.
The European Tour again visited Is Molas for the Volvo Open in 1989 when Vijay Singh emerged victorious and it has been a regular port of call for the Challenge Tour over the years. It also hosted the European Seniors Tour in 1998 when former Ryder Cup player Malcolm Gregson won the Is Molas Seniors Open.
