ROME (AP) European Ryder Cup director Richard Hills appears impressed with Italy's bid for the 2022 event.
During an inspection visit at the Marco Simone club northeast of Rome, Hills is quoted by the Italian Golf Federation on Thursday as saying the course designed by Jim Fazio ''is very convincing.''
Hills adds, ''We were taken aback by the proximity to the city, which you can see from the 18th tee.''
Before visiting the course, Ryder Cup officials were received by Italian cabinet undersecretary and sports delegate Graziano Delrio in the capital.
Located in Guidonia 27 kilometers (17 miles) from Rome's center, Marco Simone hosted the 1994 Italian Open.
Ryder Cup officials are also inspecting bids from Germany, Spain, Austria and Portugal.
The winner will be announced by the end of the year.
