News
Andiamo! Molinari claims first major title for Italia at Carnoustie
Forecasters had suggested that Francesco Molinari was rounding into proper form as the 147th Open championship at Carnoustie approached. He had finished in the top 25 of the last three major championships, including a tie for 2nd at last summer’s PGA Championship. To reach the Claret Jug as champion golfer of the year, he would have to manage his emotions in a pairing with Tiger Woods, and would have to defeat defending champion Jordan Spieth, resurgent Rory McIlroy, inspired Justin Rose, and a host of other, worthy golfers. The golfer from Torino, Italia, was up to the task, and raised the golf world’s loveliest trophy in celebration, Italy’s first major golf champion.
His play over the first portion of the course
Molinari began his round on Sunday with zero birdies and zero bogeys over the first 13 holes. Even as Tiger Woods electrified the crowd with his move to the top of the leaderboard, Molinari ground out par after par, biding his time. His game from tee to green was on point, and when he missed the target, his short game got him to safety.
Flawless. @F_Molinari with the up and down at 16 to remain in the lead.#TheOpen pic.twitter.com/FjvDZ7RY9v
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 22, 2018
His approach to 18
It may have looked like a bowling alley, but Molinari was staring down golf’s greatest gauntlet. With unforgiving Barry Burn lurking, with out of bounds so close up the fairway’s port side, no approach shot was easy. With a deep breath and light hands, Molinari played the iron of the tournament, to four short feet.
.@F_Molinari will have 4 feet to lead #TheOpen outright. pic.twitter.com/u8OwjovPZu
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 22, 2018
His putt on 18
Four feet, four miles. Molinari took care of business with a putt that he may not have needed, but a putt that forced Xander Schauffele and others to push that little bit harder. Knowing that the two-time Ryder Cup representative was in at 8 under meant that they needed more than just one birdie. Justin Rose knew that his excellent 6 under would not be good enough. And thus spake Molinari, certain to represent Europe in this fall’s 2018 Ryder Cup.
Is this the putt that wins the #TheOpen for @F_Molinari pic.twitter.com/kRzEhaQORE
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 22, 2018
Perhaps it was fate that Woods presented Molinari with the last Quicken Loans National champion’s trophy earlier this month. A bit more than a fortnight later, Woods would escort Molinari on his walk to golfing greatness. Consider, too, these fateful words from the champion, on the eve of the fourth day: It’s not a day to be aggressive. It’s more a day to make as many pars as possible. 16 pars, along with those two late birdies, were the proper amount.
Forza, Francesco!
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Morning 9: 58 on the Korn Ferry Tour | Rory on possible return to policy board
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.
As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.
Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.
General Albums
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #2
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Alex Fitzpatrick – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Austin Cook – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Alejandro Tosti – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Davis Riley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- MJ Daffue – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Nate Lashley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- James Nicholas – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Kevin Streelman – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rasmus Hojgaard – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Tom Whitney – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- SangMoon Bae – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Daniel Berger – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rory McIlroy – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Russ Cochrane – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Aldrich Potgieter – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Steve Stricker WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Drew Brees WITB (Legendary New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Thriston Lawrence WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
Pullout Albums
- MJ Daffue’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Cameron putters – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Swag covers ( a few custom for Nick Hardy) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Custom Bettinardi covers for Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Doug Ghim’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Patrick Cantlay spotted testing a Scotty Cameron blade putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
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News
Morning 9: Tiger’s TGL teammates | Woosnam’s criticism of Cantlay | Rory’s return to tour policy board
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Chris
Jul 23, 2018 at 9:28 pm
“Italia”…?
Ronald Montesano
Jul 23, 2018 at 9:43 pm
It’s a country…shaped like a boot.
the dude
Jul 22, 2018 at 7:07 pm
….dude didn’t make a bogey on the weekend….absolutely nuts…
Luigi
Jul 22, 2018 at 4:22 pm
Carnoustie = Parnoustie