‘ Special’ title
> Molinari ends Italian drought with National victory
FRANCESCO MOLINARI became the first Italian in 71 years to win a US PGA event, firing an eight-under 62 yesterday to capture the Quicken Loans National while Tiger Woods settled for sharing fourth.
Molinari, a runner-up at last year's PGA Championship for his best major showing, eagled the 10th hole and followed with four consecutive birdies on his way to finishing 72 holes on 21under 259 at TPC Potomac.
"Amazing. I played great today. The start of the back nine was incredible," Molinari said. "I'm very proud of the way I played, some of the best golf I've ever played and I'll ever play in the future. It's hard to play better than this."
The 35-year-old from Turin became the first Italian to win a US PGA event since the late Toney Penna took the 1947 Atlanta Open.
"This win feels special," Molinari said. "Hopefully there are more to come."
Tournament host Woods, chasing his first victory since 2013, fired a 66 to finish 10 shots back, sinking six birdies but foiled by two back-nine bogeys and missed opportunities.
Molinari matched the 18-hole course record with the lowest final round by a US PGA winner this season and did so in sweltering heat.
"It was probably as hot as I've experienced in my career," Molinari said. "I'm even prouder of my mental toughness in those conditions."
The European Ryder Cup veteran skipped this week's event at Le Golf National, where this year's Cup will be played in September, for a 121st US PGA start on a course he said suited his game perfectly.
"It was not easy to skip the French Open," Molinari said. "But I think I made the right decision."
American Ryan Armour was second on 267, one stroke ahead of South Korea's Kang Sung with Woods next on 269, one ahead of Americans Bronson Burgoon and Beau Hossler.
Ancer, Kang, Armour and Burgoon claimed fourth British Open berths on offer to top finishers. The year's third major showdown starts July 19 at Carnoustie.
Molinari, who won his fifth European Tour crown last month at Wentworth, became the sixth European player to win a US PGA event this year. – AFP