GOLFZON LEADBETTER ACADEMY SET TO LAUNCH AT MARCO SIMONE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Marco Simone Golf & Country Club and Golfzon Leadbetter Academy have announced a ten-year partnership to create an unparalleled coaching environment for both amateur and professional golfers.
The first Golfzon Leadbetter Academy in mainland Italy will open this summer at the renowned Rome venue, host of the 2023 Ryder Cup. The partnership will focus on a comprehensive upgrade to Marco Simone's practice areas, providing state-of-the-art technology, expert coaching, and elite training facilities.
As part of the initiative, the Golfzon Leadbetter Academy team will bring its internationally recognised coaching expertise to Marco Simone, offering tailored instruction programmes for players of all levels while also building a pathway for young coaches to develop into world-class teachers.
“We are building for the future and by partnering with Golfzon Leadbetter Academy, we are setting a new standard for golfing excellence. Our enhanced facilities will cater to golfers, particularly young golfers, of all levels here in Rome, across Italy and indeed all Europe, and we are excited how this collaboration will inspire the next generation of champions,” said Marco Aquilino, general manager at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club.
“We are thrilled to bring the Golfzon Leadbetter Academy’s expertise to Marco Simone,” added legendary coach David Leadbetter, founder of the academy. “This partnership is a natural fit, as both the academy and the venue share a commitment to excellence and innovation in the world of golf. This is a long-term collaboration to not only support the development of golfers locally but also attract talent from around the globe.”
David Leadbetter rose to prominence after his transformative impact on golfing great Sir Nick Faldo in the 1980s. In a sparkling career spanning five decades, the renowned coach has worked with Major winners including Ernie Els, Nick Price and Lydia Ko. There are now 30 academies spanning 16 countries worldwide.
Marco Simone is one of two Golfzon Leadbetter Academy locations opening on Italian soil this year alongside Puntaldia on the island of Sardinia, reflecting the growing interest in the sport in the wake of the Ryder Cup. The growth of golf has always been greatly influenced by the passion and talent of instructors and this move reflects a renewed desire for club owners to invest in attracting more people to play and grow the game across Italy.
Situated a short drive from Rome with views over the Eternal City, Marco Simone Golf & Country Club is a four-time Italian Open host that won global plaudits when it hosted the 2023 Ryder Cup. Europe claimed a dominant victory on the course, that was first designed by the famous architect Jim Fazio and completely renovated by Tom Fazio II and European Golf Design.