CHICCO IS A BLAST FROM THE PAST-A

COSTANTINO ROCCA claimed he felt like he had finally won The Open as he watched his fellow Italian Francesco Molinari claim the Claret Jug. Rocca lost a play-off to John Daly (left) across the Tay Estuary on the Old Course in 1995. And the former Ryder Cup star, now 661, was back in St Andrews fofor this week’s Seniors OpenOp as his compatriot shot a nenerveless final round to win by two shots. ThThe new world No.6, nicnicknamed Chicco, said he had been inspired by Rocca going so close to becoming t the first Italian to win a Major. And Rocca said: “It was like I was on the course on Sunday – it was very exciting. It brought back many memories.

“I am very proud now because the work I did is coming through for the others. It felt like a win for me 23 years on. It was a like a dream coming true. I am more emotional than him.

“He was fantastic. He didn’t try to make shots he didn’t need. He kept calm and played the course. It was a perfect job.

“I never thought for a moment there would be a play-off. When he hit the driver on 18, I said, ‘No chance for the others’.

“As soon as he had finished I sent him a text before his rivals had even completed their rounds. It was his week. This is only the start for him – I am sure he can win more Majors.”

The win was extra special for Molinari because Tiger Woods was his playing partner on Sunday. Rocca played in the final round at the 1997 Masters when the American won his first Major and then beat him in the Ryder Cup later that year. Molinari halved with Woods in the final singles match at Medinah in 2012.

“I think Tiger is our lucky guy,” Rocca added. “It is great history for Italy. Francesco played with him in the Ryder Cup and now played with him in the last round of The Open and he won. I think we have to invite Tiger to Italy for a nice pasta.”