Franco Chimenti, the driving force behind the success of Italian golf and the visionary behind the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, has passed away at the age of 85. Chimenti, who had served as the president of the Federation of Italian Golf since 2002, was recently reelected for another term, which would have extended until 2028. His passing marks the end of a transformative era for golf in Italy.
Chimenti, a passionate advocate for the sport, remained active until his final days. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, he was working just days before his death, continuing to shape the future of Italian golf. Despite his health challenges, including a successful battle with pancreatic cancer, Chimenti remained dedicated to his mission.
Born in Naples on August 7, 1939, Chimenti’s impact extended beyond golf. In 1981, he became vice president of Lazio, one of Italy’s premier soccer clubs, and later served as its president. His influence also reached the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), where he was appointed vice president of CONI Servizi SpA in 2013. His contributions to sports were recognized in 2021 when he was awarded the Collare d’Oro al Merito Sportivo, Italy’s highest sporting honor.
An academic by training, Chimenti held the position of dean at the Faculty of Pharmacology at the University of La Sapienza and was a member of the prestigious New York Academy of Sciences. However, it was his enduring impact on Italian golf that defined his legacy. Under Chimenti’s leadership, the sport flourished. He was instrumental in the rise of stars like Matteo Manassero, Francesco Molinari, and Edoardo Molinari, while investments in the game grew significantly.
The 2023 Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, one of Chimenti’s crowning achievements, generated a staggering €262 million (US $282 million), showcasing the growing popularity of golf in Italy. Chimenti’s relentless dedication helped elevate the profile of Italian golf on the global stage.
The golf world has mourned Chimenti’s passing. Tommy Fleetwood, sharing the Italian Golf Federation’s tribute, expressed his condolences, saying, “Rest in peace Presidente Chimenti. Our thoughts are with the family. A very sad loss.” Edoardo Molinari, who shared a close bond with Chimenti, paid tribute, stating, “Goodbye Franco, thanks for everything.” His brother, Francesco Molinari, echoed similar sentiments, writing, “Condolences to the whole family, goodbye President.”
Chimenti’s impact on the sport is underscored by the affection shared by Italian golf stars. Matteo Manassero, who credited Chimenti for his unwavering support, shared a heartfelt message, remembering the optimism and encouragement Chimenti provided throughout his career. “Thank you, Pres. I will keep it a wonderful memory,” Manassero wrote, recalling the strong support Chimenti showed during his debut professional tournament in 2010.
Franco Chimenti’s legacy will be remembered for his pivotal role in shaping Italian golf’s golden era. His contributions to the Ryder Cup, his mentorship of Italy’s top golfers, and his leadership in expanding the sport’s reach will resonate for years to come.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday at the Church of San Roberto Bellarmino in Rome. Before that, a funeral chapel will be open to the public at the Salone d’Onore del CONI on Friday and Saturday, giving admirers and colleagues the chance to pay their respects to one of Italy’s most influential sports figures.
