Molinari in disbelief after winning British Open
Francesco Molinari kisses the trophy as he poses for pictures with the Claret Jug, the trophy for the Champion golfer of the year after winning the 147th Open golf Championship at Carnoustie, Scotland.
CARNOUSTIE, UK: Francesco Molinari said it would take some time for the achievement of winning the British Open to sink in as he gripped the Claret Jug on Sunday (Monday in Manila) following his remarkable victory at Carnoustie.
The Italian also admitted he would probably need to change champion Jordan Spieth, a revived Tiger Woods and the rest of the
to get back home, so I think that’s gone,” said the Londonbased golfer when asked how he intended to celebrate.
“I have a holiday plan for next week somewhere nice with the family. So hopefully, we can still make the holiday and just relax for a few days.”
When asked to sum up his feelings, he added: “Just disbelief, to be honest. It’s amazing to stand here with the Claret Jug.”
“I knew I was coming in with
some good golf. My record around here was terrible. So that didn’t make me too optimistic about the week, but I just tried to not think about it and focus on hitting good shots day by day.”
After sitting on level-par at the halfway stage, Molinari shot a bogey- free six- under- par round of 65 on Saturday to sit just three shots off the lead overnight.
Another clean round on Sunday allowed him to make the most of slip-ups from his rivals, including
his playing partner Woods.
“To go the weekend bogey free, it’s unthinkable, to be honest. So very proud of today.”
Molinari, 35, embraced his cad-
his round with a birdie, although at that point he still had to wait for American Xander Schauffele to conclude his round before his
Sweden’s Henrik Stenson won Open champion from continental Europe was the late Seve Balleste-
Molinari admitted he has avoided playing in the Dunhill Championship here in recent years, such is his dislike of the Carnoustie links, - ible recent form.
the PGA Championship at Wentworth in late May and claimed a first PGA Tour win at the Quicken Loans National at the start of this month when Woods finished tied fourth.