Francesco Molinari outdueled the likes of Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Xander Schauffelle and Kevin Kisner on an action-packed Sunday at Carnoustie to become the first Italian to ever win The Open Championship.
Is this the putt that wins the #TheOpen for @F_Molinari pic.twitter.com/kRzEhaQORE
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 22, 2018
Molinari went bogey-free over his last 37 holes, notching birdies on the 14th and 18th holes on Sunday to reach 8-under par, which ended up being two strokes better than anyone else could manage around the historic links.
“I’m lost for words,” Molinari said. ““To go the weekend bogey-free, it’s unthinkable, to be honest.”
Both Spieth and Woods held the solo lead at different points on Sunday afternoon only to see big numbers derail their respective quests to get their hands on the Claret Jug.
What a ride that was! Good to have you back @TigerWoods #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/brRUFfo8xi
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 22, 2018
Eddie Pepperell set the mark to beat early in the day posting 5-under par some three hours before the leaders would complete their rounds. Rose bettered his fellow countryman by a stroke thanks to a 3-under par back nine to post 6-under par. McIlroy was able to match Rose’s 6-under par total, but failed to convert a birdie opportunity on the 72nd hole.
While 6-under par remained the number to beat, Molinari reached 7-under par for the tournament with a simple birdie on the short par-5 14th hole. A fantastic approach to the home hole set up Molinari with a 6-foot putt to post 8-under par.
What a performance by @F_Molinari. Solid, methodical and complete. The 2018 Champion Golfer of the Year. pic.twitter.com/msubxrmCM4
— SwingxSwing (@SwingBySwing) July 22, 2018
