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Highlights Tours

Who are the favorites for the US Masters 2022?

A lot is expected of some players in particular at the 2022 US Masters. (Photo: Getty)
A lot is expected of some players in particular at the 2022 US Masters. (Photo: Getty)

The first major is just around the corner this week. The starting field is relatively small with 91 players and the venue is Augusta National Golf Club, as it is every year. With the help of the performances of the past weeks as well as the statistics of the past years we can identify the biggest favorites. At the same time, some players can also be excluded as favorites. However, it should not be forgotten: “Unexpected often comes”…

Especially in focus at the US Masters 2022

Future hope Viktor Hovland already proved several times in his young years that he has what it takes to become a champion. Hovland leads the DP World Tour Rankings this season with just three tournaments played, and he currently sits seventh in the FedEx Cup rankings thanks to one win and four top-10 finishes. He finished the 2019 Masters as the top amateur and just missed the top 20 (T21) last year.

Australian Cameron Smith has already prevailed in two significant tournaments this year. Tournament number 1 of 2022, the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii, was won by Smith with a record score of 34 strokes under par. He also took the winning prize money in the unofficial “fifth” major, the Players Championship. With these two victories, he is currently in third place in the FedEx Cup. Smith is definitely a dangerous competitor in this form.

Since the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, no one has been able to get past the name Scottie Scheffler. With his third win in six weeks, he reached the top of the world rankings two weeks before the Masters. There is no denying that the American is in absolute top form. Although he “only” finished T18 at the last Masters, he made it into the top 10 at the other 2021 Major tournaments.

The absolute favorite is, among others, Jon Rahm, who until last week had been at the top of the world rankings for a total of 43 weeks. Major tournaments seem to suit him particularly well: The Spaniard has finished in the top 10 in each of his last four Masters appearances, while he also played his way into the top 10 twice in the other three majors last year and achieved his first major victory at the US Open. Based on these results, Rahm is not the top favorite for no reason.

Collin Morikawa is the high-flyer of 2020/21. At just 25 years of age, he is already a two-time major winner and has worked his way up to second place in the world rankings thanks to numerous victories and placings. The Masters is the major at which he has been least successful in his still young career. His best result so far was a shared 18th place last year, which he will try to beat this year.

Looking at the Masters stats

In addition to the five favorites listed, there are several other players who, according to various statistics, will have the best chance of winning the 2022 US Masters. For example, each of the last ten Masters winners was in the top 25 of the official world golf rankings in the week of their victory. Patrick Cantlay, Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Billy Horschel, Louis Oosthuizen, Abraham Ancer, Tyrrell Hatton, Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, Bryson DeChambeau, Joaquin Niemann, Daniel Berger, Tony Finau, Harris English, Matt Fitzpatrick and Paul Casey also have good chances.

Two players were excluded in this enumeration: Sam Burns and Hideki Matsuyama. Sam Burns is competing at the Masters for the first time, making him a newcomer to Augusta. At 86 Masters, only one rookie has managed to win the tournament so far, so the chances for players competing for the first time are pretty slim. This also applies to Harold Varner III, Sepp Straka, Tom Hoge and JJ Spaun, among others. Hideki Matsuyama will start as defending champion at the 2022 Masters, which is why he is denied a favorite position. Only three players have managed to defend the title in the entire Masters era.

Looking at the Strokes Gained statistics, some players get another plus point. Eight of the last ten Masters winners were at least 1.5 strokes per round better from tee to green than their competitors in the three months leading up to the Masters. Jon Rahm, Joqauin Niemann, Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler, Matt Fitzpatrick, Rory McIlroy, Daniel Berger, Paul Casey and Viktor Hovland all figure in that trend.

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Highlights Tours

US Masters 2022: Bryson DeChambeau plays despite injuries

Bryson DeChambeau will compete at the US Masters 2022 despite injuries. (Photo: Getty)
Bryson DeChambeau will compete at the US Masters 2022 despite injuries. (Photo: Getty)

In recent weeks and months, headlines have not reported Bryson DeChambeau’s strong performances, but his numerous health problems. Among them his wrist problems and hip pain. On Monday, he spoke about his health condition and how he is dealing with it at the 2022 US Masters. An important message for his fans: He will compete, but he is not yet back to 100 percent performance.

Bryson DeChambeau: “I’m at 80 percent performance”

DeChambeau is back in Augusta and training together with his coaching team. But due to his injuries, he can’t follow his usual training path. “I can give about 80 percent right now,” he answered in an interview when asked about his form. “That’s why I can’t do swing speed training and I have to train smarter in general. I have to be careful and effective in the things I practice.” But DeChambeau also sees improvement in recent weeks, just in time for the 2022 U.S. Masters. “I’m proud that I made it here in such a short time. I’m pleased with that,” he said. ““Hitting golf balls on the range today, I was able to sustain practice for a good amount of time,” he said. Despite his weaker form, he still manages a ball speed of around 190 miles per hour.

US Masters 2022: Doctors advise against participation

DeChambeau’s hip injury developed two years ago, he explained in an interview. The small tear in his hip labrum first became relevant when he slipped “Charlie Brown-like” during a table tennis match against Sergio Garcia and Joaquin Niemann in front of the Saudi International and fell on said hip, as well as his injured hand.
After that, DeChambeau underwent CTs and MRIs resulting in a hairline fracture of the hamate bone. This common injury, especially among baseball players, could also stem from his excessive workouts at the driving range, according to DeChambeau. Back in November, he was probably struggling with problems in his hand: “Last November, before I played against Brooks, I felt something. There was something on my hand that kind of popped, and I was like, ‘Ah, this isn’t normal.’ It didn’t really feel good either. It was hard to hit balls.”
The American’s injuries usually entail a four-month break, but DeChambeau was back on the golf course after just two months. This decision is not without risks and in the worst case could lead to surgery one his left hand. But for DeChambeau, one thing is certain, “the Masters is only once a year and I have to give it a go.”

For “The Hulk,” the last six weeks off were not a punishment. He himself said he used the time to give back to his viewers and to golf. “It’s really made me a different person, and – I hope – a better person who also has a different perspective on the game of golf.” He also learned to listen to his body better and give himself rest breaks, he said.
But despite that positive outlook, his comeback to the golf course was frustrating. After six weeks without playing practice, his rounds were marked by shouts of “Fore.” “It’s just not fun. It’s very difficult on your mental psyche as well.”

Bryson DeChambeau wants to take it slower

For him, the last few months have been a learning phase. He had to deal with the first major injury of his career and (at least partially) revise many attitudes toward sports. “You have to pay attention to every part of your body,” he explained in the interview. Still, he said he continues to enjoy pushing his limits and making improvements as a result. Due to his injuries, however, that approach hasn’t necessarily been possible, “i’ve taken more of a reserved approach now through this season, I’ll start ramping back up when I feel 100 percent again.” For now, he is confident of playing up front again at Augusta, despite his weaker form. “It’s been a bit of unravelling this knot that I’ve had in my game for the past four years,” he said of his search for greater consistency with his swing. “We’re finally moving in a direction that I feel is positive for me being able to win again, hopefully, regularly like I did in 2018.”

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Highlights Tours

Will he play at The 2022 Masters? – Tiger Woods updates on participation

Will Tiger Woods compete at The Masters? (Photo: Getty)
Will Tiger Woods compete at The Masters? (Photo: Getty)

The past few days resembled an exciting thriller: Will Tiger Woods make his comeback at the 2022 Masters, yes or no? Hopes were dashed by a supposed tournament cancellation, only to return much bigger afterwards. Tiger Woods made it really exciting again a few days before the Masters week. Now Tiger Woods came forward on Twitter and declared that he will travel to Augusta.

Decision still to be made

“I will be heading up to Augusta today to continue my preparation and practice,” Tiger Woods wrote on the short message service Twitter on Sunday, but: “It will be a game-time decision on whether I compete.” So it is clear that the five-time Masters winner will indeed try to compete at the 86th Masters. But whether the 46-year-old’s state of health will allow it is the decisive factor.

Tiger tracking for days

More than a year ago, Tiger Woods was involved in a car accident. Since then, no one knew whether he would return to the golf course. A few days before the Masters week, hope sprouted that Tiger could make his comeback at the first Major of 2022. Despite an assumed tournament cancellation, he was still on the list of participating golfers.

Soon, numerous references to his participation in the Masters circulated on the internet. In addition to a recording of Tiger practising on his home course The Medialist under tournament conditions, another discovery made hearts beat faster: Tiger Woods’ private jet flew straight towards Augusta and the 82-time PGA Tour winner played a practice round at Augusta National. Fans now knew: The possibility of Tiger Woods making his comeback after more than a year at the 2022 Masters still exists!

On Sunday before Masters week, an official announcement from the superstar finally followed: Tiger Woods will travel to the 86th Masters and see if a start is possible shortly before the tournament begins. Since the US Masters is an invitation tournament with an elite field, he can afford to wait until the very end before the prestigious Major is played from 7 to 10 April.

Tiger Woods faced career end

Tiger Woods and the events of the tournament had been quiet for the past year. On 23 February 2021, the golf legend suffered serious injuries in a car accident and was in danger of losing his right leg. For months, Woods fought his way back to a life without a wheelchair and crutches. Whether he would ever return to the golf course was unclear. There were first hopes of a comeback in December 2021. Ten months after the devastating accident, Woods teed off together with his son Charlie at the PNC Championship.

However, it remained questionable whether Tiger Woods would ever be able to play a full PGA Tour tournament again. Since then, there has been much speculation about the legend’s comeback. When will it be? Will Woods even be able to return to the PGA Tour? Will his irrepressible ambition bring him back to the golf tournaments of this world?

A few weeks before the first major of 2022, the Masters Tournament in Augusta, disappointing news emerged: Woods ruled out a return at the 2022 Masters. With the decision to become the oldest Masters winner of all time, he would return to the Masters 2023 at the earliest. Shortly before the 2022 Masters, the turnaround followed and Woods decided that he wanted to compete in the world’s most famous golf tournament as early as this year. We will know in a few days whether it really works out.

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Highlights Tours

Comeback at The Masters? – Tiger Woods practices at Augusta National

Will we see Tiger Woods at Augusta National at the 2022 US Masters? (Photo: Getty)
Will we see Tiger Woods at Augusta National at the 2022 US Masters? (Photo: Getty)

With the first Major of the year just ahead, speculation is getting fuelled about a return of Tiger Woods to golf’s biggest stage. Will arguably the greatest golfer of all time, recently inducted into the Hall of Fame, make his comeback after his serious accident around 13 months ago at Augusta National, where he already celebrated his sporting revival in 2019? In any case, the 46-year-old is still listed in the field of players for the prestigious major and now the superstar has already flown to Augusta a week before the start of the tournament.

Tiger Woods: Practice round at Augusta National

On Tuesday morning local time, the private jet of the 15-time major winner landed at the local airport, in the afternoon Tiger Woods played a practice round at the legendary golf club at Magnolia Lane. Together with his fellow Justin Thomas and son Charlie, with whom he already excelled at the PNC Championship last December, Woods played all 18 holes at Augusta National. An insider told ESPN: “He looked good to me.”

Prior to that, the five-time Masters winner had also played a few rounds at his home club, The Medalist in Jupiter, Florida (USA), to test out the resilience of the right leg he had injured so badly. Now it’s time for the ultimate test at Augusta National, which not only demands a lot from the player in terms of golf, but also represents a real test of endurance due to its long paths and hilly courses.

“He’s gonna tee it up”

The fact that he was accompanied by his caddie, Joe LaCava, fuels hopes that Tiger Woods will make a comeback soon. “He’s gonna tee it up, I think,” Colt Knost, a former PGA Tour pro, said on “The Drop Zone” podcast, for example. “I know Joe and Tiger are close, but I don’t see Joe flying down to Florida just to carry his bag and hang out.” Knost also believes Woods would have already cancelled his participation in the first major of the year if he knew he couldn’t play.

Brad Faxon, a pro on the PGA Tour Champions, also has high hopes for Tiger, but thinks a return anytime soon is less likely. “I’m continually amazed by the things Tiger Woods can do. And, if he puts his mind together and feels OK, can he, ranked 944th in the world, come back and play at the Masters and then could he contend? It would be an unbelievable Ben Hogan-like success story.” the American said of the speculation. “My emotion wants him to play,” the 60-year-old explained, but “if I had to bet money I would say it’s probably less than 50/50.”

Participation at the Masters 2022?

Whether Tiger Woods will really make his comeback at the US Masters 2022 at Augusta National remains to be seen. As a former champion, the superstar is obviously seeded in the field and can take his time deciding whether or not to play until the tournament begins. The first Major of the year at Augusta National will be played from 7 to 10 April.

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PGA Tour

Bryson DeChambeau: “Won’t be able to go fully at it until Augusta.”

Bryson DeChambeau looking forward to his comeback at the WGC Dell Matchplay. (Credits: Getty)

Although Bryson DeChambeau is playing a tournament on the PGA Tour for the first time since his injury this week, he is still far from his ideal form.

Long hitter and crowd pleaser Bryson DeChambeau returns to the PGA Tour after his lengthy injury. The start at the WGC Matchplay in Texas is his first tournament since withdrawing from the Saudi International in February due to hand an hip issues. For a long time it was considered uncertain what the injury was and, above all, how serious it was. He gave a clear denial to the Golf Channel to the speculations that the injuries were caused by too hard training. And yet, especially for the aspiring superstar it was a difficult situation, because his golf game lives from a power for which a healthy body is indispensable. BDC knows that, too, and that’s why he says he won’t take any big risks until the US Masters in April, so that he can return to his full potential at the tournament in Augusta.

WGC Matchplay: The tee times for the group stage


Bryson DeChambeau: “Learned a lot about my body over time”.


For a good two months now, the long-hitter has been plagued by hand and hip pain. Voices were quickly raised to attribute his injury problems to the intensive training that BDC has been doing for years. DeChambeau commented on the issue to Golf Channel this week before the WGC Matchplay:


“People say it’s because of the speed training and all the strength training and certainly some of those things have contributed to it. I’ve been working very hard and maybe overdoing it here and there,” he explained to Golf Channel. “But at the same time, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve learned so much about my body over the years, how to deal with certain things and also how important rest is.”

So now this week, his return to Tour action. At the WGC Matchplay in Texas, fans can look forward to exciting golf in match play format and Bryson DeChambeau in particular has chosen a very special playing partner on his return, Englishman Richard Bland.

WGC Matchplay: the groupings for the first few days


Augusta in view: Bryson DeChambeau’s comeback plan


Even though the WGC Matchplay is a popular and exciting tournament on the schedule this week, many pros are already looking to the future, as the highlight of the year, the US Masters 2022, is less than two weeks away. What Wimbledon is for tennis players, Augusta is for every golf fanatic.

Bryson DeChambeau also wants to attack the green jacket this year. Back in 2020, he said that the 72 par course at Augusta felt more like a 68 par course for him to play, raising expectations sky high. Now, two years later, BDC enters the crucial weeks leading up to the Masters without much competitive experience and still has a long way to go if he wants to be successful at Augusta.

But to that end, the 28-year-old American has set himself a comeback schedule, starting with next week’s WGC Matchplay and Valero Texas Open. Still, he is realistic about his chances of stepping up a gear in the last tournament before the first major of the year. He explained, “Will I be all in? No. Not even close. I probably won’t be able to really get going until Augusta.”

Accordingly, it will be interesting to see how DeChambeau presents himself on the course over the next two weeks. On the one hand, he has to get back to his best game as quickly as possible, on the other hand, he must not take any unnecessary risks in order not to provoke another injury. BDC has to find the right balance for himself.

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Highlights Tours

Ryder Cup 2023: Players and fans are excited for “The Iceman”

Ryder Cup 2023: Henrik Stenson will lead Team Europe. (Photo: Getty)
Ryder Cup 2023: Henrik Stenson will lead Team Europe. (Photo: Getty)

It was announced on Tuesday that Henrik Stenson will lead his fellow Europeans into the 2023 Ryder Cup as captain. The Swede will send Europe’s best golfers into the race against the Americans led by Zach Johnson at the Marco Simone Golf Club in Italy. On the web, many fans and (former) players are reacting delightedly to this news, but others also see the decision critically.

Ryder Cup 2023: Henrik Stenson European Captain in Rome

Ryder Cup 2023: Excitement for the “Iceman”

Sir Nick Faldo, who captained Team Europe at the 2008 Ryder Cup, describes Henrik Stenson as a “great guy”, but points out that he has a “really tough job” ahead of him. “Half the team will probably be the old school, the backbone with maybe six unknown-ish rookies.” Faldo wishes him and the team the best of luck against the seemingly overpowering Americans.

Another former team captain, Thomas Bjørn, also congratulates the 45-year-old on his nomination. “Time to get behind “The Iceman”,” the 2018 captain encourages the new skipper.

Paul Lawrie, 1999 Open champion and winner part of the victorious 2012 team at Medinah, was also considered a candidate for the captaincy. The Scot sends his congratulations to Henrik Stenson and the team.

Colin Montgomerie can look back on many years of Ryder Cup experience and also congratulates.

Other players also react to the announcement of their new captain. Ross Fisher, 2010 Ryder Cup winner, writes: “I know you will be a great captain for the lucky 12 boys in Rome.”

Jon Rahm and Justin Rose also react to the announcement on Twitter.

Ian Poulter congratulated with this funny video:

Fans’ reactions about Henrik Stenson

For many fans the choice of captain is the right one, Henrik Stenson has a “very likeable and charismatic character,” this tweet says, but: “The Americans will be hard to stop in Rome with the talent at their disposal.”

Other fans and also journalists are looking forward to the prankster Stenson in particular. “As captain You are allowed to prank players extra,” this fan says excitedly.

Rex Hoggard says “the Swede’s press conferences will be can’t-miss.”

But there are also dissenting voices. This fan sees Henrik Stenson as “not a leader of men” and congratulates the Americans prematurely on their victory.

This is contrasted by other opinions.

Whether Henrik Stenson was the “right” choice will only become clear next year when the matches are played at the Marco Simone Golf Club. In any case, Team USA is facing “a worthy opponent”.

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PGA Tour

Jon Rahm cards 9 on par-4 at Players Championship

Jon Rahm cards a 9 on a par-4 at Players Championship. (Photo: Getty / Screenshot PGA Tour)
Jon Rahm cards a 9 on a par-4 at Players Championship. (Photo: Getty / Screenshot PGA Tour)

On the final round of the Players Championship, Jon Rahm robbed himself of his chance for a good finish early on. On hole 4 (a par-4), the Spanish US Open champion recorded a 9. It is the worst score on a single hole in his professional career. Previously, a 7 was his worst score.

The 27-year-old found the water from a fairway bunker with his second shot. He then missed the next shot from the drop zone as well and had to call for another relief. His third attempt then just reached the green, but it was still more than 20 metres to the hole. After the three-putt and three penalty strokes, Rahm recorded a 9.

Full Leaderboard Players Championship 2022

Jon Rahm cards 9 on a par-4

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Cameron Smith wins Player Championship 2022

Cameron Smith wins the Players Championship 2022. (Foto: Getty)
Cameron Smith wins the Players Championship 2022. (Foto: Getty)

Cameron Smith wins the Players Championship, the most important tournament on the PGA Tour. The Australian won by one stroke ahead of Anirban Lahiri in second place and Paul Casey in third. For his victory at the TPC Sawgrass, Smith collects 3.6 million dollars, one of the highest prize money ever in golf for a tournament victory. On the final day, the 28-year-old carded a round of 66 on the par-72 course to record an overall score of -13 for the tournament.

Full Leaderboard Players Championship 2022

After five birdies on the first six holes, it initially looked as if Smith could pull away early. But after three bogeys in a row at the end of the front nine, the Australian came under pressure again. Right at the start of the second nine, he then set off on another series of birdies. Smith only recorded one par until the 14th hole. So he went into the last hole with a seemingly safe three-stroke lead. A missed fairway and a free shot from the pine needles into the water changed the situation dramatically on the last hole.

Lahiri was suddenly back within striking distance and, after Smith’s bogey on the 18th, had a chance to go into the play-off with a birdie. But the Indian left his approach too short and missed the chip-in. For sole second place, he receives prize money of more than two million dollars.

Dustin Johnson ties course record

Dustin Johnson showed the best round of the day, tieing the course record with a 63 (-9). The 37-year-old finished the Players Championship with an eagle hole out on the 18th. “DJ” played the back nine with only 29 strokes.

After several weather disputes, the Players Championship could only be finished on Monday. The first round alone lasted three days due to rain and thunderstorm interruptions. On the last day of the tournament, the professionals not only completed the final round, but also had to play the rest of the third round in the morning. The last time the Players Championship was finished on a Monday was in 2005.

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PGA Tour: Players Championship 2022 to end on Monday

Heavy rain and thunderstorms have delayed the Players Championship 2022. (Photo: Getty Images)

The Players Championship, the most important event on the PGA Tour apart from the majors, will definitely not end before Monday in 2022. With the first round already dragging on for two days and still not finished, Chief Referee Gary Young said on Friday afternoon (local time): “We are into a Monday finish. We know that.”

For the first time since 2005, the Players Championship will thus not finish on Sunday as scheduled, but on Monday at the earliest. It is already clear, Young said, that there will not be enough time for a potential play-off on Sunday. The play-off would be played over three holes and is therefore more time-consuming than usual.

Full Leaderboard Players Championship 2022

The first round of the Players Championship is still in progress

But first the first round has to be finished. After not even half of the field played 18 holes on Thursday, the weather chaos continued seamlessly on Friday. Still 47 players have not finished the first round. More rain has already been forecasted for Saturday morning, so play will definitely not resume before 11 am (local time).

In his statement on Friday afternoon, Young also said that more than 3 inches of rain had fallen on the TPC Sawgrass in the last 48 hours. At times, the course was flooded in some places. It was only thanks to the help of numerous helpers who cleared the greens of standing water that play could begin at all on Friday. No further precipitation is forecast for Saturday afternoon and Sunday so far.

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Panorama

Ryder Cup 2023: Zach Johnson named captain of the USA

Zach Johnson is captain of the USA at the 2023 Ryder Cup. (Photo: Getty)
Zach Johnson is captain of the USA at the 2023 Ryder Cup. (Photo: Getty)

It’s been an open secret for a long time, but now it’s official: Zach Johnson was named captain of the USA for the 2023 Ryder Cup on Monday at the PGA of American headquarters in Palm Beach Garden, where the PGA Tour hosted the Honda Classic. At the continental competition of the world’s best golfers, the new team captain will be aiming to defend the title and win for the first time on European soil at Marco Simone Golf Club in Italy.

Zach Johnson captains USA

“Taking over as captain and leading the United States Ryder Cup team overseas – after what we accomplished at Whistling Straits last year – is simply the greatest honour of my professional career,” said Zach Johnson, who won the 2007 Masters and 2015 Open Championship, and has been a member of the USA team at the Ryder Cup five times. However, the 46-year-old has a big task ahead of him, as the last time the American team flew home victorious was in 1993. Back then, the USA won 15-13 against Europe in The Belfry. “As exciting as this is for my family and myself, it’s also sobering to understand the magnitude of our challenge in Rome because we haven’t won away from home in three decades,” Johnson knows of his task. “I’m just looking forward to leading these guys.”

Ryder Cup 2023 in Italy

Johnson takes over from Steve Stricker, who led his team to a record victory on home soil last year. Like his predecessor, the new captain will have six captain’s picks at his disposal next year, while the other half of the team will qualify via the points list. Who will take over the captaincy of the Europeans has not yet been decided. Lee Westwood, Luke Donald or Henrik Stenson are considered favourites. The Ryder Cup 2023, the 44th edition of the team competition, will be played from 29 September to 1 October at the Marco Simone Golf Club in Italy.