Wow, Francesco: Molinari goes 5-0

SAINT- QUE NT IN-EN-YVELINES, France— Some things you cannot explain.

Frances co Molinari entered this Ryder Cup with a career record of 0-3-2 in the matches. En route to Europe’ s 17 ½-10 ½ dismantling of the U.S., climaxed Sunday at Le Golf National, the affable 35-year-old Italian became the first European to go 5-0.

It’s been quite a summer for Molinari, who outdueled Tiger Woods to win the British Open in July and, a few weeks before that, won Woods’ Quicken Loans National tournament.

This week, he was the MVP of these matches, and second place wasn’t close. He teamed with Tommy Fleet wood to defeat Woods in three matches, contributing heavily to Woods ’0-4 record. And Sunday, when he closed out Phil Mickel- son in singles, he fittingly provided Europe with its clinching point.

“I’ve been part of another two winning teams where I didn’t bring full points, and I’m glad after I’ve been carried on the shoulders by some of these guys to give something back,’’ Molinari said.

“His name is not Molinari anymore, it’s Machinari, because he’s a machine,’’ Sergio Garcia said. How good was Molinari? None of his five matches even reached the 17th hole.

“Why don’t yo u ask Francesco how are 17 and 18 playing?’’ Garcia joked to reporters.

“What holes?’’ Molinari said.

“You know this golf course has 18 holes?’’ Garcia said.

“Really? I think I played them on Tuesday [in the practice round],’’ Molinari countered.