Francesco Molinari is #TheOpen Champion Golfer of the Year!

Francesco Molinari shot a two-under 69 in the final round to win the Open Championship on Sunday. Photo: Peter Morrison/AP

Francesco Molinari shot a two-under 69 in the final round to win the Open Championship on Sunday. Photo: Peter Morrison/AP

Published Jul 22, 2018

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Italy’s Francesco Molinari claimed his first major title by winning the Open Championship at Carnoustie on Sunday.

Molinari shot a two-under-par final round of 69 to end on eight-under-par, and that was enough to hold off American Xander Schauffele for the title.

The 35-year-old Molinari rolled in a superb birdie putt on the 18th to take the clubhouse lead, and then he had to endure an anxious wait to see if Schauffele – then at seven-under-par after 16 holes – could match his score at least to take the battle to a playoff.

But it was not to be, with Schauffele unable to hold his approach shot on the final hole, and he finished tied for second on six-under after a three-over 74.

Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy finished alongside Schauffele, as well as American Kevin Kisner.

Tiger Woods took the lead at one stage after a two-under front nine, but he faded over the last nine holes to finish at five-under-par, tied sixth.

The best South African in the tournament was Erik van Rooyen, who was joint 17th on two-under-par after a final round of two-over 73.

The first ever Italian Major Champion 🇮🇹 #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/z2jOKL6fTD

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 22, 2018

@ashfakmohamed

 

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