What Francesco Molinari said after winning The Open
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Francesco Molinari claimed his first major title in historic fashion, becoming the first Italian player to claim The Open Championship with a bogey-free final round: Here’s what he said after his win…
On how he feels after claiming the Claret Jug
Just disbelief, to be honest. It’s amazing to stand here with the Claret Jug. I knew I was coming in with some good golf. 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 go the weekend bogey free, it’s unthinkable, to be honest. So very proud of today. Very proud of — obviously, playing with Tiger was another challenge because of the crowds and everything. But I felt really good this morning. When I came here, I felt I was ready for the challenge. Obviously conscious that it could have gone either way, but I knew I was going to do my best today.
to look at the names on that Claret Jug, obviously, what can you say? It’s the best golfers in history, and to be on there, it’s incredible. From someone like me coming from Italy, not really a major golfing country, it’s been an incredible journey.
On how he felt waiting to find out whether he won or not…
I couldn’t watch Xander play the last two holes, to be honest. That’s why I went to the putting green because I probably would have felt sick watching on TV. So big credit to my wife that watches me all the time. I don’t know how she does it. I couldn’t do it.
When Xander missed the par putt on 17, I thought there was maybe a 5 percent chance (of winning).
On how he felt before his round
I listen to music before every round. I felt ready for it. Calm — you know, as calm as you can be playing in the last round of a major close to the lead, playing with Tiger.
I mean, there was everything to make someone nervous, but I focused on my process and on hitting good shots and on playing smart golf. I knew the front nine with today’s wind would play mostly into the wind, so pars were great. So I was happy with my score.
On what it was like playing with Tiger…
Tiger himself was great today. Really good sportsmanship with me. Obviously, there’s a lot more people if you’re grouped with him than if I’m playing with the — I can’t really say names, but some of the other guys. You know, I’ve done it before. I’ve played with him before in Ryder Cups and in big occasions, so I knew what was coming, and I was ready for it.
There was very, very good sportsmanship today during the whole round. Obviously, he had it going on the front nine, and then, unfortunately, just hit a couple of loose shots on the back nine. It’s hard not to pay for missed shots around Carnoustie.
On the crucial part of his round..
12 and 13 were two really big par putts. Obviously, if you would still probably be doable even dropping shots there, but it would have made it a lot harder. So it was a big moment to hole that putt, those putts, and then to flush the drive on 14 on the fairway. That turns the hole into a par 4 really. So I think that was one of the key moments.
On how he’s going to celebrate
I don’t know. I had an easyJet flight at 9:00 to get back home, so I think that’s gone. I have a holiday plan for next week somewhere nice with the family. So hopefully, we can still make the holiday and just relax for a few days.
