Molinari wins first European Tour title with Scottish Open Win
Edoardo Molinari has won the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond to earn his first European Tour title and knock Darren Clarke into second place the process. Scotland's Stephen Gallacher, Sweden's Peter Hedblom, as well as Molinari's younger brother Francesco all shot four-under par to finish in a three-way tie for fourth place..
Although Clarke led the tournament from the start, he wasn’t able to keep up. Even though he has had an impressive return after a two-year tournament hiatus, his game just wasn’t a competitive enough match for the Italian, whose playing dashed Clarke's hopes of his first title, as the 29-year old player headed into Sunday’s final round with a 63 and a 15-under par total. Clarke hasn’t won a title since winning the Dutch Open in 2008.
Clarke, who managed to round out the final three on Sunday, despite struggling to a five-over 76 with a second at nine-under 275 finish, earned the consolation prize of an invitation to St. Andrews for the British Open Championship.
"The Open is a consolation prize, but if somebody had said at the start of the week that I would finish second I think I would have taken it," said Clarke.
Although Molinari only managed a three- over 74 on Sunday, it was still enough to earn him his title as he closed off his victory at 12-under 272, winning by three strokes.
“This was the best 74 of my life,” shared the winner. “When I saw the conditions I felt you could have shot any number.”
However despite his lack of titles, Molinari who has never even gone into the last round in the final group is confident he can handle the new experience and shares his enthusiasm about his playing due the tournament.
"I played great golf today,'' the Italian player shared. "Both Darren and myself played great - I think I just holed a few more putts. I hope the crowds enjoyed it.
"The wind wasn't as strong as yesterday and despite the rain of the last few holes it was playing easier. I hit it great so I can't complain about anything.''
And although the Italian had previously teamed up with his brother to win a World Cup last year for their home country, as well as being a five time winner on the European Challenge Tour, Sunday was his first win.
As well, with his brother Francesco who also managed to place in the tournament on Sunday, the two can claim their victory as European Tour winners.
"I think it was very special," said Edoardo. "It was strange, but on Tuesday morning we were talking about the fact we've never together played well in the same week. It was a great day for both of us."
And with the win comes a rising in the world rankings, as Molinari is now only 11 points behind Ian Poulter in fourth spot, therefore there is the potential for the two brothers to play alongside each other for the first time in Ryder Cup, as Molinari’s brother has managed to climb into to fifth place in the overall European Cup table with his fourth place tie, since the top nine players will automatically qualify.
Currently Francesco is fifth in the European qualifying table, and Edoardo's victory moved him firmly into sixth place on the world ranking table, which will provide the first four members of the team.
“Today is a great push towards the Ryder Cup team and I think Francesco and I can make a great pairing,” he added. “He’s a great driver and I’m a great putter.”
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