By Andy Lack

With the 2023 Ryder Cup a mere three weeks away, let’s indulge in one final deep dive before we turn our attention back to the PGA Tour’s regularly scheduled programming next week in Napa. Last week, we examined the merits of Zach Johnson’s selection of Sam Burns, and the potential problems the United States could face if Burns is not utilized correctly. Earlier this week, I dove into the Adrian Meronk “snub,” what Nicolai Hojgaard may contrarily bring to the European side, and what that selection might tell us about how Luke Donald plans to set up Marco Simone. A natural progression of both discussions is to finalize our understanding of the arena.

Marco Simone Golf Club was designed by Jim Fazio in 1991, with a complete renewal in 2018 by Tom Fazio II, Jim’s son. Yes, I was confused by this as well. Tom Fazio II is not the son of Tom Fazio, he’s the son of Tom’s brother Jim, an accomplished architect in his own right. TFII worked on the golf course while attending Mississippi State, and along with Trump Westchester, it was one of his first projects. Some of the design qualities certainly begin to make more sense given the lack of experience of its architect, but in fairness, at least Tom looks the part.

What TFII produced was a completely new routing from what was originally laid out by his father. The goal was for Marco Simone not solely to host future Ryder Cups, but also be utilized as a regular staple on the DP World Tour. Following the TFII’s renewal, Marco Simone debuted the DS Automobiles Open in 2021, won by none other than captain’s selection Nicolai Hojgaard. The following 2022 and 2023 renditions were claimed by Robert MacIntyre (another member of the European team), and Adrian Meronk (an almost member of the European team). Marco Simone immediately developed a reputation as one of the more challenging courses on the European Tour, featuring a cumulative scoring average of over half a stroke over par.

Marco Simone is set amongst mountainous, rolling terrain, with water hazards abound, and thick native grasses that frame narrow fairways. The course is a bit loud for my taste, and borderline unscrupulous. On the contrary, enrapturing theatre may await. Marco Simone’s intrigue as a viewing experience is inarguable. The course features a very TPC-esque routing. The first tee atmosphere will be raucous, and the back-nine utilizes plenty of stadium-style, risk reward holes with a varying degree of outcomes. While certainly hilly, there are some magnificent high points for spectators to view multiple holes at once. The noise will reverberate through the rolling valleys of the stunning Guidonia countryside. I do wish there was a bit more Italian quirk and charm. An abandoned farm house that frames the 13th green is my favorite feature of the course, and the property does carry a bit of “I tried to create PGA National in Italy” vibe for my taste. Yet PGA National delivers on the PGA Tour every year, and features an exquisite closing stretch where big numbers lurk at every turn. Marco Simone is sure to provide a similar feeling of excitement for viewers, while consternation is a more likely emotion for its gladiators. Here are my thoughts on every hole at Marco Simone Golf Club.

1. PAR 4 (445 yards, +0.12, 10th hardest hole at 2023 DS Automobiles Open): There is no gentle handshake to be had at Marco Simone. An absolutely massive grandstand frames this tee shot, and I would expect some of the most raucous first tee energy at a Ryder Cup we have seen in years. The first is still likely a driver hole for most. I expect players to shorten the dogleg with an aggressive drive over the left corner of the fairway, leaving a short iron approach. The safer play is to the right, and we may see some long irons or three-woods from those of weaker stomachs. Yet a longer approach shot awaits for the conservative player. The green is one of the more undulating on the course, and the approach shot is even tougher than tee shot. Most likely expected proximity: 125-150 yards.
2. PAR 4 (476 yards, +0.31, 4th hardest hole at the 2023 DS Automobiles Open): The second might be the best strategically designed golf hole on the course. Jamie Kennedy had an excellent thread breaking down the decision matrix of the tee shot which I would encourage readers to seek out for greater detail. I’ll paraphrase here. Essentially three options await off the tee. The first option is to lay back short of the center-line bunker at 250 yards to a 55-yard wide landing area, leaving a testing approach of over 200 yards. The second option is to take on the center-line bunker, but stay short of the left bunkers. The carry over the first bunker is 270 yards downhill to a 50-yard wide landing zone, but those drives will need to stay short of the bunkers at 300 yards. This leaves a mid iron approach of 175-200 yards. Option three is to take on all of the bunkers, aiming over the two in the left corner, which requires a 330 yard carry to a 35-40 yard landing zone with extremely thick rough left. Yet the reward is an approach shot of 120 yards or less. I would expect most players to elect option number two or number three. I’ve written a lot in recent weeks about how Marco Simone provides an overinflated reward for long and straight driving, and there may not be a better substantiation of this than the second. Most likely expected proximity: 175-200 yards
3. PAR 4 (453 yards, +0.26, 5th hardest hole at 2023 DS Automobiles Open): The third is no joke either, and features one of the more intimidating tee shots on the course. Playing to a partially blind fairway, players will have another decision to make off the tee as the fairway narrows significantly at the 315-330 mark to only 25 yards wide. Aggressive players may cut the right corner of the dogleg, but I would expect some to select the prudent option as well. Deep native grasses encroach the fairway on both sides. Of course, a common theme at Marco Simone, the safer tee shot will leave players with a more difficult approach shot. A middle iron for the conservative players will be required to a green that is well protected front left by bunkers. Most likely expected proximity: 150-175 yards.
4. PAR 3 (188 yards, +0.04, 11th hardest hole at 2023 DS Automobiles Open): The fourth is a relatively straightforward par three, and one of the blander holes on the course. Two devilishly deep bunkers guard the right side, but the undulating green is the hole’s primary defense. In the defense of the hole, this is a solid green, and it’s all going to come down to pin location here. The front shelf is very accessible. Most likely expected proximity: 175-200 yards.
5. PAR 4 (376 yards, -0.04, 15th hardest hole at 2023 DS Automobiles Open): After a banal fourth, the course really begins to show its match play stripes on five. Water runs all the way down the left, and hitting driver brings the lake and a pair of bunkers into play. The prudent shot is a 240 yard layup short of the right bunkers, leaving just a short iron to the putting surface. I would imagine that the tees get moved up at least one day to encourage more players to attempt to drive the green. This would require a 290 yard carry directly over water, and short or left is completely dead. Absolutely awesome stadium hole. My only wish is that it came later in the round, but 11 and 16 should scratch that itch. Probably not the best hole on the front nine, but certainly the most fun. Most likely expected proximity: 125-150 yards.
6. PAR 4 (381 yards, +0.01, 14th hardest hole at 2023 DS Automobiles Open): The sixth is another short par four, and the only hole from the original routing that remains in tact. The fairway runs between an out of bounds area on the right, and trees on the left. The decision will be to either lay back of the fairway bunker on the right, or squeeze a drive past it which will result in a short, blind pitch to a raised green. I would guess that most play aggressively on this hole. While not drivable, there’s enough room here (comparatively speaking to other holes on this course) to encourage the more aggressive option. Most likely expected proximity: Inside 100 yards.
7. PAR 3 (222 yards, +0.16, 8th hardest hole at 2023 DS Automobiles Open): The seventh is the far superior of the two one-shot holes on the front. Playing from an elevated tee to a kidney shaped green that runs away, this is an excellent test of long iron play. The green is so deep (nearly 50 yards) that a pin all the way in the front can cause the hole to play much shorter. I hope we get a front pin one day, as the front contours are an awesome defense. Short right is an okay bailout area, but any shot left of the green may bounce down into a penalty area. Most likely expected proximity: 200 yards plus.
8. PAR 5 (524 yards, +0.64, 1st hardest hole at 2023 DS Automobiles Open when playing as a par four): The eighth hole played as a par four for the Italian Open, although the Ryder Cup official website has it listed as a par five. Par is irrelevant in match play anyway, and I doubt whether it’s listed as a four or five will have any psychological impact on the expected strategy of the hole. From an elevated tee, players cannot see all the way down the fairway. Trouble looms on both sides, with thick rough down the right, and a hazard down the left. A large and protects the front of the green, and an incredibly precise long iron directly over water to a raised putting surface is required. There’s not really much of a layup, even if citing it as a par five on the scorecard detaches some players from the intrigue of the hero approach. Similar to the seventh, the eighth features that same kidney shape style of green that extends around the water. This one will be another excellent watch. Most likely expected proximity: 200 yards plus.
9. PAR 5 (587 yards, -0.18, 16th hardest hole at 2023 DS Automobiles Open): The ninth hole flips back in the opposite direction of the eighth, with the stream and hazard now on the player’s left. Bunkers at 275 yards squeeze the landing area, forcing a decision of whether to place a drive in the 40 yard wide fairway short, or risk a bolder tee shot to set up an easier second. The water left is only in play for wild approaches, but the three bunkers bracketing the elevated green will see a ton of play. Long is absolutely cooked on this hole. The ninth is another example of a hole where I believe power will yield a big advantage. The eighth and twelfth should be reachable in two by all players, but I’m not yet convinced on nine and eighteen that players such as Brian Harman and Collin Morikawa will be able to get home in two. Most likely expected proximity: 200 yards plus.
10. PAR 4 (453 yards, +0.22, 7th hardest hole at 2023 DS Automobiles Open): The back nine begins with a stout par four played into a small valley at the southern boundary of the course. It bottlenecks at the 300-yard mark, shrinking the landing area from 40 yards to just 22. Any drive missed to the right will find a ravine filled with thick native grass and a stream. The green is large with a huge false front and a back right section guarded by bunkers. Ten is a hole that will probably get lost due to the fireworks of what comes down the stretch, but it’s one of the finest holes on the course. Most likely expected proximity: 150-175 yards.
11. PAR 4 (329 yards, +0.02, 12th hardest hole at 2023 DS Automobiles Open): The 11th is our second drivable par four, and no tee box manipulation is required on this one. This hole was specifically designed to entice players to go for the green, and yet it is not the type of drivable four where players can bomb it green side and figure it out from there. Distance never hurts, but it’s only 300 yards to reach the front of the green, a shot nearly all competitors have in their bag. The issue is that a large false front will repel balls back down to the fairway, so once again, those with a reliable 315-yard straight ball possess a massive edge on this hole. There’s a pretty safe layup in the 200-220 yard range, but I would be surprised if we see such a strategy utilized often. I have my issues with Marco Simone, but the drivable par fours do require some thought. I still expect nearly all players to go for it, but the consequence of a poor drive, and the recovery shots we will be exposed to, are far more engaging than say, 14 at Oak Hill. Most likely expected proximity distance: Inside 100 yards.
12. PAR 5 (546 yards, -0.65, 18th hardest hole at 2023 DS Automobiles Open): Players will tee off on 12 from the highest point on the property and receive a panoramic view of the Roman countryside. This is a great golf hole for a draw (and specifically Rory McIlroy). The fairway is very narrow, and even if players hit a perfect drive, there’s a tree they will have to deal with on approach. I’d expect most to take on the corner of the dogleg, and even a less aggressive drive should leave players an opportunity to reach this hole in two. Even with the narrow fairway and cumbersome tree, I would still expect either this or the eighth hole to play as the easiest on the course. We will see some eagles here, and a 3-3-2 stretch on 11, 12, 13 may be what it takes in best ball to get it done.
13. PAR 3 (150 yards, +0.01, 13th hardest hole at 2023 DS Automobiles Open): The 13th is the most Italian hole on the entire course. This short par three sits in a cool little corner of the property. There’s an abandoned farmhouse framing the green, which is really the only aspect of the golf course that makes you feel like you’re in Italy. Two umbrella pines frame this split level green. I would not say there is some great consequence of miss here or that this is a truly exacting test of short iron play like we saw with Liverpool’s 17th, but it’s always fun to see which pros can actually stick one close on command. Most likely proximity distance: 125-150 yards
14. PAR 4 (509 yards, +0.37, 3rd hardest hole at 2023 DS Automobiles Open): After the stretch of 11-13 where we will see our fair share of birdies, 14 and 15 provide an interesting contrast in two of the toughest three holes on the course. 14 is another prime example of distance off the tee being a massive advantage. Only the longest players will be able to make the carry over the try, but I imagine that most will try. The approach plays to a deep green cut into the slope of a hill that falls off sharply into a deep bunker on the right. Recoveries from that bunker will be from well below the putting surface, and challenging to say the least. There’s a cool little depression in the center of this green, and this green actually feels like it was meant to be in this exact spot. Not something I often say on Fazio courses! Most likely proximity distance: 175-200 yards.
15. PAR 4 (479 yards, +0.38, 2nd hardest hole at 2023 DS Automobiles Open): There are not many holes at Marco Simone where I can definitively say that par will be good enough to win in nearly every match, but 15 is one of them. Running back in the opposite direction of 14, this hole presents a trio of bunkers at the corner that players will be enticed to take on. A more conservative drive will leave a blind, uphill long iron. Not to sound like a broken record player, but if you are wondering why long and accurate drivers continue to populate the leaderboard at Marco Simone, it’s because of holes like 14 and 15. A weak and short drive leaves an incredibly challenging approach on this hole, which can actually open up for the more aggressive player. The green is large and reasonable with an opening right, but this hole is all about the tee shot. Most likely expected proximity distance: 175-200 yards.
16. PAR 4 (352 yards, -0.28, 17th hardest hole at 2023 DS Automobiles Open): After hopefully surviving 14 and 15, here’s where the course gets fun again. From another elevated tee, the 16th hole plays back into a bowl. The safe play is a 200 yard shot short and right of the centerline bunker, but any other choice comes with extreme risk. Flying the creek requires a 300 yard plus carry with a pond lurking closely on the right. What a phenomenal match play hole! My guess is that most will play aggressively because not even the layup is a guaranteed par. It’s going to be really tough to stop the ball on this green from a downhill sloping fairway. I’m giddy thinking about how many matches will be decided on this one. Most likely expected proximity distance: Inside 100 yards.
17. PAR 3 (206 yards, +0.14, 8th hardest hole at 2023 DS Automobiles Open): The 17th runs along a fescue covered ridge and is a nice setting for a par three. The deep, three-tiered green is just 15 yards from side to side. It’s one of the tightest targets on the course which is really saying something. This is one where I really need to watch pros play it before I can make up my mind about whether I like it or not. We might see some incredibly fun recovery shots from some truly funky lies for those who miss the green. Most likely expected proximity distance: 200 yards plus.
18. PAR 5 (623 yards, -0.11, 15th hardest hole at 2023 DS Automobiles Open): The finisher features a dramatic downhill tee shot from a high point on the property to a sloping fairway with speed slots. One of the most inviting fairways on the course, which will encourage players to swing away. I have mixed feelings about a course that is such a demanding driving test feature such a wide 18th fairway. It feels a touch antithetical to the character of the course, and we saw how up in arms folks were at the U.S. Open when the finishing hole did not feature a strong penalty for wayward driving. This hole is really about the second shot, not a phrase you will hear me utter often at Marco Simone. There’s a fairway bunker short of the green and a water hazard to the left. It’s truly a great arena. Despite the imposing length, we will see some massive drives on this hole, and I do think (some, but not all) players will be able to get home in two. Most likely expected proximity distance: Inside 100 yards.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy a brief intermission from Ryder Cup content next week as we dive back into the opening event of the 2023-2024 season, the Fortinet Championship.