SCORN IN THE USA
Cocky Yanks thought we were nobodies says Molinari
FRANCESCO MOLINARI has claimed the cocky Americans underestimated Europe’s new stars at the Ryder Cup.
The London-based Open champion led the way to the Paris triumph with wins in all five of his matches.
And the Italian banked four points with rookie Tommy Fleetwood in the Moliwood dream team, despite the USA team arriving in Paris as hot favourites.
“It was good for us that everyone thought they would win,” said Molinari. “We recognised the American team was really strong. They had a great team, they have a great generation of players at the moment, but at the same time I think they underestimated our new generation coming through – Tommy, Jon Rahm, who is an incredible player, Tyrrell Hatton and Thorbjorn Olesen.
“It’s like until you prove yourself over there, you’re not worthy of their attention. But there are a lot of young European players here good enough to compete with the Americans. There are guys like Matt Wallace and Eddie Pepperrell who didn’t make the team but who could have done the same job.”
Moliwood – the video of the pair in bed with the Ryder Cup went viral – were an instant success but the pairing had been long planned.
“Tommy and I have been friends for a few years,” Molinari said. “Clare (Mrs Fleetwood) was my agent a few years ago and she and my wife Valentina get along.
“I think Tommy and I are more similar than people think.
“We have got a similar sense of humour and have fun when we are together. It was a big part of the week.
“Both of us wanted to play together, which makes it easier when you are out on the course.
“And then we kept getting confidence from winning matches.
“I think the first game was really important, turning it around the way we did. That just gave us the confidence to keep going through the week.”