Molinari all but laps the field for first PGA win
POTOMAC, MD. — During his teenage years, as a highly skilled golfer with aspirations of playing professionally, Francesco Molinari was among the many admirers of Tiger Woods, paying close attention to the then burgeoning career of one of the sport’s iconic figures.
Years later, in 2012, the Italian, who now lives in England, found himself facing Woods in the anchor match of the Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club. Molinari earned a halve, and the Europeans rallied from a fourpoint deficit to win, 14 1/2-13 1/2, in one of the most unlikely upsets in the series.
They were connected again Sunday, albeit briefly, during the final round of the Quicken Loans National at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, with Molinari holding the lead and Woods chasing him in search of his first PGA Tour triumph in nearly five years.
But the closest the 14-time major champion came Sunday was four strokes. Molinari, playing several groups behind his childhood idol and the tournament host, countered with a dominant surge to start the back nine as part of an 8-under-par 62 that sent him to his first PGA Tour victory in record fashion.
“It’s amazing to win a tournament hosted by Tiger, probably the greatest ever to play the game,” said Molinari, 35, who’s ranked 17th in the world.
“I grew up as a teenager watching him on TV dominating golf tournaments. It’s even more special to win in this style, and to get his congratulations on the last green is a very proud moment for me.”
Molinari’s 21-under 259 is the lowest score in Quicken Loans National history, three shots better than Troy Merritt in 2015.