The ‘Golf in School’ project was launched last week in Rome under the patronage of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), thanks to an agreement between the Italian Golf Federation and Istituto per il Credito Sportivo (ICS).

The initiative, introduced by Italian Golf Federation president Franco Chimenti, which aims to grow golf at grass roots level as part of the larger Project Ryder Cup 2022 led by the scheme’s General Director, Gian Paolo Montali, will see a total of 102 classes from 34 elementary schools across Italy learning the sport.

Gian Paolo Montali, General Director of Project Ryder Cup 2022, said: “To be able to start the “Golf in Schools” project in the lead up to The 2022 Ryder Cup, it is a proud and satisfying moment for Italian Golf Federation. I would like to thank President Abodi and ICS who have supported the project and share our values and objectives.

“We will bring golf into schools for the first time across the whole national territory with lessons held by FIG instructors within the teaching program. The golf lessons have already begun in some regions to much enthusiasm, and through the “Golf in School” initiative, students can discover the magic of an inclusive sport and a strong education.”

Andrea Abodi, President of ICS, added: "We are happy to support a project that invests in the future. As a public bank devoted to the development of the Sport and Culture, we support girls and the boys widening their horizons through the practice of golf. A discipline that asks for harmony, patience and control, but also passion that becomes fun to connect with nature.

“Golf can be a school of life that will teach to young people to grow in the respect of their own schoolmates. This initiative confirms the support that ICS has always devoted to golf and that in sight of The 2022 Ryder Cup, wants to continue both in structural and valuables aspects.”

The 2022 Ryder Cup held in Italy at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club will be only the third Ryder Cup in history to be played in continental Europe following last year’s biennial contest in Paris at Le Golf National, won by Thomas Bjørn’s Team Europe, and the 1997 edition held in Spain at Valderrama Golf Club, from which the European side also emerged victorious, captained by Seve Ballesteros.