Francesco Molinari relied on a full bag of Nike golf clubs to win the Italian Open after another tremendous European Tour duel, this time involving Masters Champion Danny Willett.
During a damp four days the Italian made 22 birdies and two eagles. It was the first time an Italian had won his national tournament twice since it first appeared on The European Tour schedule in 1972.
Both players started on 16 under and it was the Italian who made a strong start, posting a 31 for the front nine and held a four shot lead over Willett. The Englishman though would not lie down and went birdie-eagle on the 13th and 14th to cut the lead to just one.
Molinari held on though and despite hitting some ‘horrible’ shots he managed to get over the line.
“I was hitting horrible shots but somehow I managed to bring it in.”
‘I was inspired by the energy that the fans brought to the course, so to win my national open for the second time in front of them is very special,’ said Molinari, who last won the tournament 10 years ago in 2006.
What’s in his bag?
Fairway Metals: Vapor Fly #3 13°
Hybrid: Vapor Fly #2 17°
Irons: Nike Vapor Pro Combo 4, Pro 5-PW
Wedges: Nike Engage 52° SS, 56° DS, 60° DS
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