Italian politicians are "hopeful of finding a quick solution to a funding problem which could put the country's hosting of the 2022 Ryder Cup in jeopardy," according to Phil Casey of the PA. Senate President Pietro Grasso removed an amendment to a bill "which would have guaranteed funding" of €97M ($103.4M) for the event, which is due to be staged at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club outside Rome. In quotes published on the Senate's official website, senatoripd.it, Culture & Sport Committee President Andrea Marcucci said, "The Ryder Cup is, and remains, a great opportunity for the country. ... President Grasso's decision is a technical one, it is not about the content of the amendment. I hope the government can quickly find a solution that meets the requirements of the organizers. I want to remind everyone that this international competition brings with it considerable economic benefits and television rights." A spokesperson for Ryder Cup Europe said, "We are in regular communication with the Italian Golf Federation as we have been since ... Italy was awarded the honor of hosting The 2022 Ryder Cup, and we continue to be so" (PA, 2/9). The AP reported funding for major events in Italy "has become an issue after Rome withdrew its bid for the 2024 Olympics following Mayor Virginia Raggi's rejection of the candidacy in September over cost concerns" (AP, 2/8).
