Nerveless Molinari wins thrilling Open Championship at Carnoustie
● Win for champions in Edinburgh ends Forfarshire’s slim hopes of causing upset
Francesco Molinari became the first Italian player to win a major title after one of the most dramatic final rounds in Open history.
Molinari carded a nerveless closing 69 at a windswept Carnoustie to finish two shots clear of Justin Rose, Rory Mcilroy, Kevin Kisner and Xander Schauffele while Tiger Woods’ challenge faded late on.
Francesco Molinari shrugged off a “terrible” record at Carnoustie to win the 147th Open Championship after Tiger Woods and Rory Mcilroy came up just short following last-day charges in the Claret Jug event.
The 35-year-old Italian went one better than compatriot Costantino Rocca, who lost to John Daly in a playoff at St Andrews in 1995, after clinching a two-shot success on the Angus coast following a closing 69 for an eight-under-par 276 total.
Molinari had gone into the season’s third major on the crest of a wave, having recorded wins on both the European Tour and PGA Tour, as well as two second-place finishes, over the past couple of months.
But, despite that hot run of form, the London-based player didn’t fancy his chances here due to the fact he had never played well at Carnoustie in the Dunhill Links Championship. In seven appearances in the pro-am event, he’d never managed a top-30 finish and, partly because of that, hasn’t played in it since 2014.
“I’m lost for words, really,” admitted Molinari, the first Italian to win a major. “It is incredible to do something like this and I am very proud of what I have done. It’s amazing to sit with the Claret Jug.
“I knew I was coming in with some good golf, but 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.
“To be completely honest, it’s one of the reasons why I didn’t play the Dunhill Links in the last few years because I got beaten up around here a few times already in the past. I didn’t particularly enjoy that
The tussle for the Eastern Premier title is now a two-horse race. Forfarshire’s slim hopes of figuring in the scamper to the line evaporated as they were toppled by champions Heriot’s, who are the only side that can prevent Grange lifting the silverware.
And winless Glenrothes now look destined for the drop following the demolition job by the Raeburn Place outfit.
Of Heriot’s triumph over the Broughty Ferry boys at Goldenacre, a thrilled skipper Keith Morton said: “It was a huge result for us following our loss to Carlton the previous week.
“We knew we had get back to form quickly and Forfarshire were always going to pose a strong challenge.
“With the bat we thought we were a few below par but Elliot Ruthven’s opening spell turned the game in our favour and our spinners were as reliable as ever.
“We’re in a great position as a club with all three teams challenging for silverware and we’re all looking forward to the final few weeks of the season and the exciting occasions that lie in store for us.
“I don’t think there’s any pressure on us, it’s just important we continue playing positive cricket and enjoying our days together.”
Chasing a modest 176, Forfs were shot out for only 125, Ruthven accounting for Chris Greaves, Craig Wallace and Michael Leask at the top end.
A superb knock of 118 by Dylan Budge paved the way for Grange’s home-turf success.
Preston Mommsen weighed in with 68 as the hosts surged to 284 for four.
Their Scotland mate Safyaan Sharif was the only Glens man to offer significant resistance with 48 not out.
Charlie Peet was the pick of the Grange attack, taking three for 21.
Arbroath captain Marc Petrie admitted the Lochlands hammering by Carlton was “a bad day at the office which is becoming a bit too common”.
But there was a steely defiance when he added: “I am backing the lads to make it right and turn things around soon.
“We have a young and inexperienced squad who will learn with every win – and even more from the defeats.
“I am still as proud as ever to lead this team.”
Rory Mccann hit 85 to send the capital outfit to 260 for six.
The writing was on the Arbroath wall when Petrie and Hayden Laing were out before a run was on the board.
There was no recovery route and they plunged to 82 all out.
RHC Lions claimed a robust four-wicket victory over Watsonians at Myreside.
And Stewart’s-melville tripped up again at the hands of Aberdeenshire at Inverleith.
0 RHC Lions’ Ally Sadler celebrates the wicket of Brendan O’connell in their win over Watsonians.