Molinari was sick for Masters finale

Francesco Molinari revealed that he was sick with a sore throat on the final day of the Masters when he coughed up the lead to Tiger Woods – not that he was making any excuses.

“I wasn’t 100 percent all week in Augusta, and I was taking antibiotics, and I think it was a big effort to do what I did, and probably on Sunday, when the adrenaline kind of went down, I felt how much I was spending energy-wise during those days,” he said. As for recovering from any disappointment at Augusta, Molinari said, “No, there wasn’t much getting over anything.”

FANCY NO-PANTS

Easy rider John Daly drew a characteristically large crowd and showed off for them 30 yards short of the first green chipping two balls with just his left hand and within a couple of feet of the hole. Daly was attired in green and yellow flowered Hawaiian shorts. Players are allowed to show off their legs during practice rounds. Phil Mickelson went half-pants on the range.

NO PLACE LIKE NEW YORK

Jordan Spieth on New York area golf fans: “It was fun out there yesterday. People were hollering at (my caddy) Michael (Greller), hollering at me, everybody. And I think that they’re more involved than you’re used to seeing in a tournament. That can be a lot of fun … if you get on the good end of that.”

HOW’S RETIREMENT, WRIGHT?

Mets great David Wright joined Charlie Robson, the 2019 PGA Championship General Chairman and former Met Section PGA CEO at the Empire State Building Wednesday morning for the ceremonial lighting of the iconic New York landmark in PGA of America colors.

IF IT’S FREE, IT’S FOR ME

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo kicked off the PGA Championship by announcing Free Youth Golf Day, a statewide event offering youth 18 and under a free round at all 28 New York State Parks golf courses. The event will take place on July 20 and serve to introduce children across the state to the game and the opportunities available at New York State Parks.