Golf, Italian Open: ‘That’s why the Hojgaard twins are special for the Ryder Cup’

Golf companions and rivals since childhood, friends, both engaged in study and teamwork at the University of California (UCLA) in Los Angeles. Emilie Alba Paltrinieri and Alessia Nobilio made many holes in parallel, representing Italy together several times in the European championships and Europe in the Junior Ryder Cup. Paris 2018. Of that under 18 challenge (won by the USA by at 11.5), which traditionally anticipates the great biennial match in the same week, were both protagonists. But in that European team there was a couple, if possible, even more united and close-knit: the Danish twins Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard. Who will take to the field tomorrow at the Italian Open in search of a team place in the next Ryder Cup.

The two blue women who had played mixed doubles with them in Paris tell us about them. Alessia and Nicolai had lost their match (2&1). “It wasn’t a good day for both of us, but I remember very well her positivity on the pitch,” says the nineteen-year-old from Milan. «During the tour I was quite sad and he tried to cheer me up. I really appreciated the desire he had to help me, which also reflects his personality off the pitch, really open to others. He’s not a guy who talks much but, from those few conversations with him, I sensed a determination to make golf his future. He had a precise plan and he told me about the team that was already following him with great attention. The regularity of the game struck me a lot, I think he almost didn’t miss any green or any fairway, but unfortunately he didn’t perform well on the green. A high and powerful ball flight together with a very positive attitude allow him to have an uncommon solidity».

Emilie remembers the introverted character of both. She played and won (5 & 4) the mixed team match with Rasmus, who she remembers like this: «You immediately understand that behind the appearance there is a kind person; he put me at ease (I had played very well and pocketed many putts), he made me feel important and complimented me on every shot. Just a beautiful heart. It wasn’t obvious because both were already very strong and well known at the time. There was a good dynamic between us, both very calm and focused but ready to help their partner». “I haven’t found a single flaw in his game. It should be emphasized that the brothers were by far the longest from the tee, even compared to the American team. Solid game, precision with the irons, all excellently done from tee to green. I knew I could count on him. But above all I liked him on an emotional level, as he knows how to manage emotions without revealing what he feels, the attitude doesn’t change for a birdie or a bogey. He is serene, he manages to stay in the moment and not get carried away by emotions ».

The perfect profile of a Ryder Cup player. «If I were Luke Donald I would put them both in the team. They grew up playing together and always support each other, a good example for their teammates. They can win their matches and create a good team dynamic, that essential team environment in this challenge».

Since that September 2018, the two Danes (now 22 years old) have come a long way, forged stages and set some records. At twenty, Rasmus already had three victories on the major tour in his pocket, the last one in the Omega European Masters in Crans (2021). A week later, right at the Marco Simone in Guidonia where he is about to take the field, Nicolai went to win the Italian Open, his first title and historic record for the tour with the victorious twins two Sundays in a row. The second title in Ras-Al-Khaimah in 2022.