Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick head to Rome for high-class Italian Open

Golf punters have three tournaments to get stuck into this week, with LIV Golf Chicago bolstering the schedule of events, backing up the Italian Open and the Fortinet Championship.

Cameron Smith and Dustin Johnson will headline the Chicago gathering, while DP World Tour stars can get an early look at the 2023 Ryder Cup venue in the Italian Open. Marco Simone Golf Club, Rome, will stage the famous Europe versus USA contest next year.

Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick and Viktor Hovland are among those using the Italian Open to get a feel for the next Ryder Cup track, as well as enhancing their Race to Dubai hopes. McIlroy, who tied for second in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth on Sunday, leads the Race to Dubai with nine DP World Tour events remaining this season.

Shane Lowry, the 16-1 winner of the BMW PGA, is skipping the Italian Open. The Irishman will probably return to action in the Dunhill Links Championship at the end of the month.

The Fortinet Championship at Silverado Resort and Spa, Napa, California, will see Max Homa bid to successfully defend his title. Hideki Matsuyama and Corey Conners are also in the field, warming up for next week's Presidents Cup.

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