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ROME (AP) — The first Italian Open golf tournament with a 7 million euro ($7.5 million) purse has been moved from the Olgiata club in Rome to the Royal Park I Roveri club outside Turin in October.
The Italian Golf Federation made the announcement without explanation on Tuesday.
Funding for major events in Italy has become an issue after Rome withdrew its bid for the 2024 Olympics.
The increased prize money is part of the buildup to the 2022 Ryder Cup near Rome. The hosting contract with the European Tour requires the Italian Open to feature a 7 million euro purse for the next 10 years.
The 2022 Ryder Cup was awarded in 2015 to the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Guidonia, just outside Rome.
"We not afraid to organize big sports events in Italy," said Luca Lotti, the government's sports minister. "I'm convinced that if they are well controlled and well organized, they can become a developmental and promotional engine for our (country)."
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