Guido Migliozzi hails supporters and staff on scorching day one in Italy

Guido Migliozzi was full of praise for the local fans and the groundstaff as he led the home charge on day one of the DS Automobiles 83° Open d'Italia.

Circolo Golf Torino has not been spared the sweltering temperatures that are currently being felt across Europe, with the rare decision taken on Thursday to allow players to wear shorts in a competitive round.

The heat did not prevent the fans from turning out in their numbers, however, to see DP World Tour stars taking on a course that remained lush and fair despite the punishing temperatures.

“The course is a bit wet even if it’s very, very hot but it’s how they’re trying to prepare it because they’re very scared to burn it out and we don’t want to play on burned grass,” said Migliozzi, who was six under.

“So they’re doing a good job. Maybe it’s a bit scoreable but also you have to hit it very nice to have a birdie chance, so it’s very fun to play.”

He added: “There’s a lot of friends here this week cheering for us Italians so it’s a special moment for us being here at home.

“I’m very proud. It’s crazy to see very fun people out there having fun and cheering for us and we’re really pleased.”

Migloizzi is a four-time winner on the DP World Tour but has never had a top 20 in his home open in nine attempts.

His opening 65, which contained eight birdies including a closing hat-trick, matched his lowest score at the event and the 29-year-old was pleased with his day’s work.

“It’s been a great day of golf,” he said. “I’m very happy with the score even if I missed a few drivers that I didn’t want to but overall it’s been a great day.

“I holed great putts to keep the momentum to be aggressive on the next hole.

“I’m very happy that all the birdie chances that I had today, almost every putt went in.”