Firefighters are battling a major fire at the luxury golf course where Europe sensationally won the Ryder Cup last week after defeating the United States.
Dozens of firefighters were on the scene in Rome to battle the massive inferno that sent flames and smoke into the sky.
Footage released by a fire department helicopter showed the extent of the fire on the Marco Simone route in Guidonia, on the outskirts of the Italian capital.
The fire spread to a three-story grandstand that accommodated hundreds of spectators at last week’s tournament.
An eyewitness told local media: “The smoke and flames are amazing.” “It’s huge and you can feel the heat from far away.”
Firefighters are battling a major fire at the luxury golf course where Europe sensationally won the Ryder Cup last week after defeating the United States
Dozens of firefighters were on site battling the massive inferno that sent flames and smoke into the sky
Footage showed one of the hotel buildings on the Marco Simone golf course burning on Thursday afternoon
Thousands of fans watched from one of the hospitality structures on the track last week
Police were also on scene and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but no injuries have been reported yet.
A spokesman for the Italian Golf Federation said: “The fire is in the stand set up for the Ryder Cup and it is being dismantled, but that is all we know.”
The fire broke out on the first hole and in footage posted online, determined golfers could still be seen playing the 18th hole despite the massive fire.
The grandstand was built for the tournament last week and hosted spectator hospitality as well as bars and restaurants throughout the three-day event.
Officials said it was made of metal and wood and had a plastic cover, which caused the fire to spread quickly and smoke as it was highly flammable.
Fans surround the 18th green as Team Europe’s Shane Lowry on Oct. 1 at Marco Simone Golf Club
The grandstand, which took several months to build, was dismantled so the course could return to normal operations by December.
There were unconfirmed reports in Italian media that the fire was started by fuel or gas canisters left behind by caterers.
The Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome was engulfed in flames on Thursday, just days after hosting the 2023 Ryder Cup.
Footage posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, showed the golf course’s hospitality structure surrounded by fire and smoke.
It is still unclear what caused the fire and whether it caused any injuries. According to reports from Italy, “firefighters are on site to contain the flames.”
The incident occurred just four days after Team Europe won the 2023 Ryder Cup title on the same course.
Located 10 miles from Rome city center, the Marco Simone Club features two golf courses, an 18-hole championship course and a 9-hole resort course.
The incident occurred just four days after Team Europe won the 2023 Ryder Cup title in Rome
Team Europe captain Luke Donald poses with the trophy and his wife Diane Antonopoulos as his team kisses their partners during celebrations after winning the Ryder Cup
Team Europe’s Rory McIlroy celebrates with his wife Erica after Europe reclaimed the Ryder Cup
Team Europe captain Luke Donald holds the Ryder Cup trophy with players
Ireland’s Shane Lowry and the European team roar with joy as he lifts the Ryder Cup alongside Matthew Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton, Ludwig Aberg, Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland during the official handover
Europe’s WAGs took a separate photo with just Norwegian star Viktor Hovland, the only individual player on the team
Luke Donald’s European team claimed a stunning 16.5-11.5 victory over Zach Johnson’s US team, erasing the dismay of defeat at Whistling Straits in 2021.
Donald’s side strolled to victory over the USA after a blistering start to the game saw them take an early lead before Rory McIlroy contributed to the win with some impressive golf.
McIlroy top-scored with four points in Rome as Donald’s team reclaimed the trophy, later admitting that Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland and himself were encouraged to move up. Together they contributed 10.5 of Europe’s 16.5 points.
He said: “They had an incredible Ryder Cup career and made the decisions they made. “No one can take away the impact they have had on Europe over the years.
“But this week, with those big personalities not in the team room, other people have a chance to develop and shine: Viktor, Jon, myself.” Some of the other big personalities didn’t take up much space in that room. We are a young team.
“We can all grow together.” Next time I could possibly be the oldest person on the team. It’s a new era. And it’s pretty good.’