EURO HOPES HAVE BEEN BJORN AGAIN
THOMAS BJORN has hailed Francesco Molinari for delivering his European team a huge boost ahead of the Ryder Cup.
The captain believes the Italian’s Open triumph is a special moment for European golf after seeing their American rivals dominate the previous five Majors.
Until Molinari’s success – that also saw Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose among a four-way tie for second – Europe hadn’t had a Major champion since Sergio Garcia at the 2017 Masters.
The next showdown with the USA looming at Le Golf National, Paris, in September.
And Bjorn said: “I always think it’s great when you’ve got new guys winning Majors.
“We are delighted on this side of the Atlantic. It was a special moment for Francesco but also a special moment for European golf.
“This was a win for one of the hardest workers and one of the good guys of the Tour. What he has achieved in two months most European golfers would want to achieve in a career.
“To play a Major championship without a bogey (on the last two days), that does not happen often and especially at this course.
“I’m looking forward to Paris. It will do his confidence a lot of good. He’ll come into the team as one of those guys who is in form.”
Paul Casey also believes the Carnoustie performances showed Europe can take the Ryder Cup back.
He said: “I hope I’m a part of Europe’s team because it’s very good.
“Guys like Francesco have played stellar golf the last couple of months. From where it was 12 months ago and looking all over the world rankings, you look at it now and it’s very strong.”