MARIA PIA GENNARO: 1955-2014

George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, today led the tributes to the acclaimed Italian golf writer Maria Pia Gennaro who has died, suddenly, aged 59, following a courageous battle with cancer.<br /><br />O’Grady said: “Maria Pia was an icon of Italian golf journalism, totally devoted to the sport and growing the game. She fervently supported Italian players of all ages both male and female, professional and amateur. She has been a welcoming face ever since, it feels, I first attended the Italian Open and we will miss her tremendously. She fought her illness with immense courage and determination and, in the same way as she lived her life, great humour. We extend our thoughts and condolences to her family.”<br /><br />Maria Pia Gennaro, who became the second Italian-born member of the Association of Golf Writers in 2008 after Pier Luigi Mancinelli, was dedicated to golf , first as a player and then as a writer, and she placed her great expertise and passion at the disposal of many of the leading golf industry publications.<br /><br />Gennaro worked from 1980 to 1988 as Editor of the magazine Parliamo di Golf following which she joined the magazine Golf News as Vice Director. After freelancing for many Italian and international magazines, she worked from 2000 to 2010 for Golf e Turismo first as a Vice Director and then as Director. In 2010 she became Director of the Italian issue of Golf Today.<br /><br />Costantino Rocca said: “Maria Pia was a great friend, and also a great journalist: professional and serious, but she always put her values ahead of getting a story.

“She was a good golf player so she knew what it meant to be professional, and she had great respect for all the players.

“She will be missed by all the golfing world. Along with Mario Camicia, she was very much part of the history of Italian golf. Their memory is indelible in our hearts.”

Francesco Molinari, twice Italian Amateur Stroke Play Champion and winner of the WGC-HSBC Champions in 2010, said: “I was shocked to hear the news of Maria Pia’s death when I woke up on Monday morning in Augusta. She was one of the most passionate Italian journalists and very dedicated to our sport. She will be really missed by all the Italian golfers on the Tour. It’s a very sad day for everyone who knew her, especially her friends and family.”<br /><br />Maria Pia Gennaro’s funeral is being held on Wednesday in her beloved Milan.<br />