|
Costantino Rocca
| Biography |
The only Italian to date to have played in The Ryder Cup Matches, Rocca is one of the great characters on The European Tour. Won the Italian Caddie Championship in 1978 and became a caddie master before turning professional at the relatively late age of 24. Graduated through the Challenge Tour in 1989, Rocca became a true champion when he won the 1996 PGA Championship at Wentworth Club. Always remembered for the fluffed chip followed by the 60 foot putt at the 18th at St Andrews to force a play-off with John Daly in the 1995 Open Golf Championship, which he subsequently lost, and his crucial singles win by 4 and 2 over Tiger Woods in The 1997 Ryder Cup at Valderrama to help Europe win. Will be united with compatriot and fellow Bergamo resident Andrea Maestroni on The European Tour for the first time in 2005 after Rocca’s young protégé earned his card through the Qualifying School. Rocca has been an inspiration for Maestroni over the years and offered plenty of advice and assistance. Worked long hours in a factory manufacturing polystyrene boxes to help finance a move into golf. Also earned the equivalent of 20p caddieing as a boy at Bergamo Golf Club.
|
|
|
|
|
