TCU’s Filippo Celli will represent Team Italy in the 2021 Spirit International. Celli has already left an impressive mark in his early collegiate career having competed in seven tournaments after joining the team in January of 2021! Prior to TCU, Celli won the Italian Amateur in 2019 and finished fifth in stroke play at the 2020 Italian Amateur. He also finished 68th at the Italian Challenge Open on the European Tour. Read more about Filippo Celli and join us in welcoming him to the Spirit.
The Spirit: At what age did you realize that you were going to play golf at a highly competitive level?
Celli: I started playing golf when I was 13. That is when I realized it could be my sport.
The Spirit: Who introduced you to golf?
Celli: The first time I went to play golf was with my dad.
The Spirit: Prior to attending TCU, you won the 2019 Italian Amateur. How fulfilling was it to win your home country’s amateur championship?
Celli: Winning the Italian Amateur was nice but it was normal.
The Spirit: You played the Italian Challenge open on the European Tour as an amateur, and made the cut. How much confidence did that add to your game?
Celli: Playing the Challenge Tour was nice and making the cut gave me the awareness of my possibilities.
The Spirit: Did you feel more prepared for college golf knowing that you could compete on a professional level?
Celli: Yes.
The Spirit: Your freshman year at TCU (2020-21) was a huge success, leading the Frogs in scoring average (71.77). How were you able to maintain that consistency while only a freshman?
Celli: My first year at TCU was very good and I managed to maintain my consistency. Thanks to my coaches who immediately believed in me as a freshman.
The Spirit: How did it feel to receive the call that you would represent Italy in the 2021 Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship?
Celli: It felt good. I’m proud to represent my country at the 2021 Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship.
The Spirit: What are you looking forward to most about this event?
Celli: I think it will be a good experience and I hope to play well.
The Spirit: How important is it for federations to continue to support international amateur competition?
Celli: It is very important that the federations support young amateurs to develop new talents.