Open win means even more because I tamed the Tiger
Molinari’s joy at win over Woods in prime form I tried to treat him like any other player and not be too impressed FRANCESCO MOLINARI
THRILLED Francesco Molinari admits his Open glory at Carnoustie was made even sweeter by beating Tiger Woods back in top form. The Italian was paired with the 14-time Major-winning legend for the final round and had to keep his focus while the galleries buzzed about Tiger topping the leaderboard at the turn. But Molinari ignored the circus around him to put together a flawless closing 69 to become Italy’s first Major champion. And yesterday morning he revealed it meant so much more to have done it by going toe-to-toe with the man considered by many as the greatest golfer of all time – and suddenly showing signs of being back to his best. Molinari said: “Now it’s over, I can admit it makes it even more special that I was playing alongside Tiger when I won The Open. “And that he was like the old Tiger, fighting hard for the trophy and playing unbelievable golf. “He was obviously the best player on the course over the front nine and you could feel the excitement growing. “When he took over as the sole leader I told myself I must not start watching what he was doing – just
focus on my game and what I needed to do to catch him.
“I tried to treat him like any other player and not be too impressed by what he was doing. Then he hit a couple of loose shots unfortunately and you will always pay a heavy penalty on a course as tough as Carnoustie.
“But he was generous in congratulating me and we can all see that he is back as a strong force in these events.”
The Tiger phenomenon has transformed the game but Molinari smiled at the special part Woods seems to play in many of Italy’s greatest golfing moments.
For this was not the first time he and Woods had gone head-to-head, as Molinari secured a half with Tiger in the Sunday singles of the 2012 Ryder Cup at
the conclusion of Europe’s “Miracle” comeback at Medinah.
And 21 years before that, Woods was the high-profile scalp claimed by Molinari’s boyhood hero Costantino Rocca at the 1997 Ryder Cup at Valderrama. His 4&2 thumping remains the only time Tiger has lost a Ryder Cup singles match.
No wonder then, that a text from Rocca on Sunday night was the most cherished of all the messages of congratulations he received.
Molinari said: “Everyone knows Costantino is my hero and I had a lovely text from him last night saying he was super-proud of me.
“Costantino was so close to winning The Open himself so he knows how emotional it is and what it is like to be so close to winning.
“When he was playing in the 1995 Open we were on holiday in the mountains near Turin and I remember watching every day with my brother and parents.
“There was so much cheering when he made the long putt to make the play-off – and a few tears when he didn’t win the play-off. But every golfer has the same mixed emotions and it makes the good times feel even better. This win is for him as well as for me.
“It’s funny how Tiger seems to be involved in some of the greatest moments for Italian golf.
“Rocca’s win over him in the Ryder Cup was huge news in Italy then I had a half with him in the singles at Medinah. After that I won his tournament for my first win in America and now I played alongside him and won the Claret Jug.
“I heard players like Jordan Spieth saying it would be great to have Tiger involved in a real shoot-out at the Majors again. I can say the same thing now – but not before I won. Be careful what you wish for!
“I will say the same thing only when it has happened and I came out as the winner. “For me, it is not something you wish for, to make things even harder. But I really think he will win more Majors because he is getting better and stronger all the time. “I’m just glad it was me who won this time. “Waking up with the Claret Jug on my bedside table was amazing.”