Marshall headlines a field featuring some of the most established names in European golf, including Road to Cambodia Order of Merit leader Stephen Gallacher, two-time 2026 winner Johan Edfors and a host of former Ryder Cup players and Staysure Legends Tour winners. Also among the contenders are former BMW PGA Championship winners David Howell and Simon Khan, who claimed the prestigious title in 2006 and 2010, respectively.

Edfors arrives in Italy in outstanding form, having claimed two titles in his first full season on the Staysure Legends Tour. The Swede secured his maiden victory at the OFX Irish Legends in July before adding the European Legends Cup in September, and will be looking to continue his impressive run of results at a venue where he finished tied second 12 months ago.

Marshall returns to San Domenico Golf where he claimed his maiden Staysure Legends Tour title last year, producing a superb closing round of 66 to secure a two-shot victory.

The Englishman has continued to show encouraging form throughout the 2026 campaign, recording a seventh-place finish at the European Legends Cup in Spain, where he opened with an impressive eight-under-par 64. Having also finished 11th at the Staysure English Legends in August, Marshall will be looking to build on those performances as he returns to a venue that has brought him considerable success.

“It’s a first for me, so I’m looking forward to going out and playing,” said Marshall, who returns as defending champion for the first time.

“I like it there. I played there a lot in the Challenge Tour final for three or four years, many years ago, and I’ve got great memories from winning last year. I’ll try to replicate it, but who knows?”

Marshall’s victory last year was built on a decisive run of birdies during the final round, which saw him move ahead of Phillip Price before holding his nerve over the closing holes.

“I suppose halfway round, just after the turn, I birdied two or three holes to get past Pricey. That was near the end of the round, so I knew I had a good chance to win.

“I managed to hit the edge of the rough, then hit a good shot onto the green on 18, which was satisfying because it meant I had a two-shot lead. I could three-putt and still win.

“Every time I play now, I think back to that win and try to remember it. It keeps me relatively happy.”

Having competed at San Domenico Golf on numerous occasions throughout his career, Marshall believes his familiarity with the layout could prove valuable as he looks to successfully defend his crown.

“It’s one of the ones I know best,” he explained. “I feel like I’ve got an advantage in knowing the course. I wouldn’t say I feel like a member, but I think that familiarity gives me a bit of an edge.

“It’s quite a low-ball course. It suits my game. I don’t know why exactly, but I’ve always done fairly well around there, and I think that’s part of why I won.

“I’ll just try to go out and enjoy it.”

Also looking to make his mark in Italy is Gallacher, who arrives at San Domenico Golf leading the Road to Cambodia Order of Merit following an impressively consistent campaign.

Despite sitting at the top of the season-long standings, the four-time DP World Tour winner is still searching for his maiden Staysure Legends Tour title, having regularly featured among the leading contenders throughout the year.

Gallacher has credited his strong form to the enjoyment he has found on the course this season, with his son alongside him as caddie playing an important part in his performances.

“I’ve just been playing solid golf all year. It’s been great having my son on the bag and I’ve been really happy out there playing. I think my golf has mirrored that.”

With the season entering its final stages, Gallacher will be looking to convert his consistency into a breakthrough victory and further strengthen his position at the top of the Order of Merit.

The Sergio Melpignano Senior Italian Open provides another opportunity for the Tour’s leading contenders to secure valuable Road to Cambodia Order of Merit points, as the race for season-long honours gathers momentum ahead of the final stretch of the 2026 campaign.

The Sergio Melpignano Senior Italian Open takes place at San Domenico Golf in Puglia, Italy, from 22–24 October 2026.

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