Brothers Francesco and Edoardo Molinari are flagbearers for Italian golf and once again are in the spotlight at the DS Automobiles 83° Open d'Italia.
With nine DP World Tour titles between them, the pair sit second and third in the all-time list for appearances on golf's Global Tour - behind only Constantino Rocca.
This week sees 2018 Open Championship winner Francesco make his 483rd start and 22nd appearance at his national open, bidding to become the first player to win the title on three occassions since it became part of the DP World Tour in 1972.
Champion in 2006 and 2016, the 43-year-old is hoping his record of victories in ten-year spans continues as the sibling duo return to the club where they made their initial forays into golf as children.
While he might be without a win worldwide since the PGA TOUR's Arnold Palmer Invitational in 2019, three top tens across eight starts so far this season are providing him with reason to believe he can mount a title challenge.
"It would be incredible, obviously," he said of what it would mean to create history.
"I have been lucky enough to do it twice already in my career which is something I would never have thought possible.
"Having down it twice I know how hard it is, and how much energy you need during the week, with everything that happens outside the golf course.
"I am trying to manage my energy as good as I can.
"I am playing well enough I would say this year. I have had a nice putting lesson with Phil Kenyon a couple of weeks ago who I hadn’t seen in a long time and let’s see what happens."
Older brother Edoardo is set for his 444th DP World Tour start and estimates the pair have played rounds into the several thousands at Circolo Golf Torino since starting playing putting and chipping contests together.
Among 19 Italians teeing it up at their national Open, the pair admit there isn't much in the game that tops the feeling of playing at their home club, which previously hosted in 1999, 2013 and 2014.
"We have hit so many balls on the range and chipping green and obviously played so many contests on the course it is great to be back," said Edoardo.
"It is always a special playing in Italy but even more so on your home course where you have grown up."
Francesco added: "It is pretty incredible to play such a big event on the course you made your first steps on a golf course.
"So many good memories. It’s special. The national open for anyone is already special but playing it where you grew up adds an extra layer of emotions that we will both feel out there on the course."
It is always a special playing in Italy but even more so on your home course where you have grown up.
As is the case for players whenever they play on home soil, there are extra demands for time but for them it is all part of the experience.
"Obviously there are loads of things to do and requests but I think it is part of the fun," said Francesco.
"You just have to embrace it, one week a year and make the most of it."
Earlier on Wednesday, Francesco was announced as the latest member of Luke Donald's Ryder Cup backroom team.
Reuniting too with Edoardo, he will serve as a Vice Captain for the third consecutive edition at Adare Manor in 2027.
"I'm really excited," said Francesco, who alongside Edoardo became the first brothers to play in the same European Ryder Cup team at Celtic Manor in 2010.
"Having watched the 2006 Ryder Cup at The K Club as a fan on TV, you could tell from TV already how special the atmosphere is.
"The Irish fans are incredible so I can’t wait to be there. I am pleased and honoured to be again part of the team with Dodo and Luke.
"He is a really amazing leader and it has been cool to se him evolve in the last four years. So, we'll try to do as good a job or even a better job for Ireland than we did the last two times."
Among other Italians in action on home soil are established regulars Matteo Manassero and Guido Migliozzi but Francesco is optimistic the future talent pool will produce more DP World Tour winners.
"There's been maybe a little dip the last few years from when we were at our best, maybe.
"But there's definitely a new generation coming through and they're improving, they're developing well, so they just need a little time, I think, to be really competitive on the bigger stage.
"Give it one or two more years and there's going to be some really good Italian players."
