February Featured Player: Benedetta Moresco

Ranked No. 11 in World Amateur Golf Rankings, Italy’s Benedetta Moresco has had an exceptional start to the year with a win last month at the ANNIKA Invitational USA presented by Rolex. The victory was the University of Alabama commit’s first AJGA title. It also earned her an exemption into the Symetra Tour’s Florida’s Natural Charity Classic which she will be playing in next month. This was Moresco’s fifth ANNIKA Invitational appearance, but first in the U.S. Shortly after her win, we spoke with Benedetta about her childhood and how she got into the game of golf.

What are three words that describe you as a person?

I would say powerful, outgoing and cheerful.

What is your favorite club in your bag?

It has always been my putter.

What is one thing that no one knows about you?

I like to sing on the course, it helps me to relax between shots.

Who is your favorite golfer and why?

My favorite golfer is Ian Poulter, because of his power on the golf course. That chip at the 2014 Ryder Cup on the 16th hole is still one of my favorites Ryder Cup moments.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you while playing golf?

One time, when I was at one of my fist international championships, on the first tee I introduced myself to the other girls with a wrong name. I was so embarrassed!

If you could play golf at any course in the world, what would it be?

It would probably be Augusta National.

If you could create a “dream foursome” with two professional golfers and one other person of your choice, who would you choose?

My dream foursome would be with Ian poulter, Tiger Woods and my sister, Angelica Moresco.

If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?

I would like to know people’s emotions.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

It is my sister. I grew up with her, she helped me a lot, she is inspiring and always pushes me along my way. She is not only a sister but she is also like a best friend for me. Angy is my rock. She has always been my role model. It’s also thanks to her that now I’m playing golf!

What is your greatest memory of playing golf so far?

I would say the winning putt of the Annika Invitational USA 2020, and the hug with Annika right after the round!

How old were you when you started playing golf and who taught you?

I started playing golf when I was 7/8 years old. Before I tried almost every sport, but one day, my father and my sister took me on a golf course with them. I fell so in love with golf that the following day I said to my dad: “Ok Daddy, this is my sport, I want to play golf”. I started to play with Alex Senoner, and since then he is still my coach.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever gotten that has really stuck with you through your years of playing so far?

It’s advice from my coach Alex, who told me to believe in every little detail of what I was doing each day, on and off the course. He also told me “If you want to do something, it’s all about yourself and how much effort you put in every day.”

Congratulations on your recent win at the ANNIKA Invitational USA presented by Rolex. What were your thoughts heading into the final round? How did it feel to get your first AJGA win and become the first Italian to win the ANNIKA Invitational USA?

When I saw the leaderboard the second day, I started to think “Wow, tomorrow it’s going to be interesting!” I was a little nervous at the beginning, I put some pressure on me the night before. On the first tee I was excited, and I knew the reason why I was there: to play against the course and my limits. Winning the tournament, my first AGJA event ever, meant a lot to me because I saw a real improvement in me; I passed my limits and I knew more about myself. Winning Annika’s event has been unforgettable!

How do you deal with pressure during a round of golf?

I tried to stay patient and play just to beat the course. I wanted to play my best golf, by trying to stay with my process, shot by shot. And yes, I sang a lot!

What other activities do you enjoy doing outside of golf?

I like skiing in winter, I really like math and staying with my family.

How do you balance being a student while playing golf? What sacrifices, if any, have you had to make?

I always balance school and sport with organization. School in the morning, golf after lunch and study in the evening. Sometimes it’s hard, but we all know that every sacrifice pays off. There are a lot of sacrifices to make if you play high level sport, but you always have to believe in what you are doing.

What was your favorite golf tournament you have ever played in so far?

It’s the Junior Solheim Cup. Playing with your teammates in such a strong field has been amazing. Also seeing the professional players was awesome!

Can you share one golf tip that has helped you throughout your career so far?

I understood that all the hard work pays off. If you believe in what you are doing and don’t give up after failure, you can reach everything you want. You just have to push yourself a little bit more and keep that focus steady to go for it.

If there was one piece of advice you could give to aspiring female golfers who are just starting to play the game, what would it be?

I would say, go out on the course and have fun. Enjoy every little aspect. Be kind with yourself and be powerful. Believe, always believe in yourself and be proud of every little improvement.

Benedetta will join her sister Angelica in the fall at the University of Alabama. She shared that she is very excited for this new chapter of life saying, “It’s going to be a great experience as a golfer and as a person.” Her future goal is turn professional after college and win a Solheim Cup title. Based on the success she has already had as an amateur, it is very likely the Italian star with go on to do big things in her career.