Magical Molinari hits super 64 to blow away Rory and the English challenge
HERE in the tourist capital of America they’re fond of telling you it’s the place where dreams come true. For Frankie Molinari, it has proved the place where the dream goes on. The popular Italian, who won the Open at Carnoustie last July and then became a folk hero by claiming five points out of five at the Ryder Cup, ended a quiet period in emphatic fashion with a stunning final-round 64 to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The 36-year-old took the title out of the arms of a trio of eager young Englishmen who were all trying to win for the first time in America, and also defending champion Rory McIlroy, whose 12-month wait for a victory goes on after a mediocre 72. This was another Sunday tinged with disappointment for the Northern Irishman. This was the ninth time in the last 13 months when he has been in the final group on the final day — and the ninth time when the trophy has eluded him. If you prefer a glass half-full approach, it was a fifth straight top 10 in five starts this season. For third-round leader Matt Fitzpatrick, Matt Wallace and Tommy Fleetwood, there wasn’t a lot to reproach themselves about. Fitzpatrick had never finished better than tied 7th in 48 previous starts on the PGA Tour, so to claim second spot following a final-round 71 was a huge step forward. This was a first glimpse for America of the 24-year-old who last year became the youngest Englishmen since Sir Nick Faldo to win five times on the European Tour. Similarly, Londoner Wallace will make his debut in the Players Championship this week mostly buoyed by his top-six placing, although a bogey-bogey finish for a 71 would have stung. However, the career of the 28-year-old, who was playing mini-tour golf just three years ago, continues on its upward trajectory. As for Fleetwood, he showed impressive powers of recovery with a 68 after a third-round 76 on Saturday, to finish tied third. This day, however, belonged to his Ryder Cup playing partner. If you were wondering how on earth Molinari would come up with an encore following his three victories worldwide last season and heroics in Paris, wonder no more. Here he was back to his machine-like best as he relished the chance to set a target that would prove out of the reach of the UK quartet and everyone else. Long based in London when he’s not on his travels, Molinari was already holding a hot hand when he came to the 18th. There, on the green where Tiger Woods displayed such magic over the years and where McIlroy holed a beauty to win last year, Molinari watched his birdie putt from 40ft hit the flagstick flush and fall below ground. ‘It’s become something of an iconic green with all that’s happened there, and I’m glad to add to it,’ he said. There was even a brilliant chip-in at the 8th from an almost impossible spot. It was his day, all right. ‘I’d rank that among the best rounds I’ve ever played,’ he said. ‘I knew there was a chance to set a target and make life difficult for those out late, and I’m delighted to pull it off.’ The final day began with a clear indication that Tiger is ready to return at the Players Championship this week despite his neck injury. Woods told PGA Tour officials that unless he suffered a reaction he would play in the flagship event. Ian Poulter closed with a 70 for a top-30 spot but there was a rare failure these days for world No 2 Justin Rose, who shot 77, 75 in the final two rounds to finish well back.