Molinari wins Open to become first Italian major champion

Francesco Molinari created history at the 147^th Open Championship by becoming the first ever Italian to win a major golf trophy.

Molinari, 35, held off the challenge of former world number 1, Tiger Woods, to seal victory at Scotland’s famous Carnoustie course in Angus.

The Italian posted a score of 69 in the final round as he held his nerve, while many tournament favourites going into the final day fell by the wayside.

Molinari’s victory cemented his position as one of the hottest players in the world, finishing the weekend with an eight-under total of 276.

Tough fight
Molinari, from Turin, was understandably elated with his first triumph at a major but was keen to recognise his competition.

He said: “A lot of people I should thank – my family for their support, my wife, who is a really, really big part of my team. And of course, all of my family back in Italy.

"I have such a big team behind me, each one of them has been a massive part of the journey, so thank you for all your work.

“Congratulations to the runners up, it’s been a tough fight. Unfortunately in golf there’s only one winner, this time it’s me! But they played very well, and congratulations to them.” 
  

Evaporated
The Italian finished two shots ahead of four players who were tied on six-under, including Britons Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose.

However, for much of the weekend it looked like the famous Carnoustie Links course would see Tiger Woods claim his 15^th major, a full decade after his 14^th win.

The American, on a comeback from personal and professional trauma, was leading the field midway through the final round.

But the 42-year-old’s hope evaporated after he posted a double-bogey at the 11^th and dropped another stroke on the 12^th.

Next year’s Open Championships will take place at Royal Portrush, County Antrim between July 18 – 21, 2019.