Woods: It felt like old times
you look at the names on the trophy, what can I say? I’m so proud to be the first man from Italy to win a major. ‘Hopefully I’ve inspired a lot of kids back home to play, just as Costantino Rocca inspired me when he finished second to John Daly in 1995. I hope Costa’s watching.’ The win means Molinari has made £4.2million from his past six events, of which he has won three and been runner-up twice. Woods, bidding for his first major for a decade, was on course when he led with nine holes to play — and admitted he was ‘ticked off’ with himself after costly mistakes at the 11th and 12th proved fatal. The 14-time major winner, who is putting together a miraculous comeback following four back surgeries and was playing in The Open for the first time since 2015, said: ‘It felt wonderful to be back in the mix over the closing stretch, it was just like the old days. But I’m ticked off with myself for those mistakes, for sure.’ Woods admitted he was trying to lift the Claret Jug for his two kids Sam and Charlie, whom he warmly embraced when he came off the 18th green. ‘To me it’s so special to have them here because although I’ve been lucky enough to win many championships during my career, they don’t remember any of them,’ he said. ‘So it was pretty emotional there as they gave me some big hugs. They know how special The Open is to me.’ McIlroy and Rose were in good spirits after finishing tied second, two shots behind Molinari. ‘I played well all day and so can’t have too many regrets,’ said McIlroy after a final round 70. Rose, who posted a final round 69, said: ‘It’s been a while since I’ve felt the energy of the crowd at an Open but that’s when I play my best golf.’