Francesco Molinari carded two birdies on the final five at Carnoustie to post a 69 and emerge from a packed Sunday leaderboard to claim victory at the 2018 Open Championship at 8-under par.
Stuck at 6 under, following 13 straight pars to start his day, Molinari finally reached the top of the board with a birdie on the par-5 14th, then added a second gain on the 18th for insurance (which he didn’t need) en route to a Sunday 69.
It was Molinari’s maiden major title, and in the process became the first native Italian to win one of golf’s four major championships.
The win earned Molinari $1,890,000 and 600 FedExCup points which moved him to 7th (from 27th) on the PGA Tour’s points standings. The 35-year old Turin, Italy native also received 100 OWGR points, and will move from 15 to No. 6 in the Official World Golf Rankings.
Runner-ups Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy, Kevin Kisner, and Xander Schauffele all walked away with a check for $694,250 and 203 FedEx points, along with 38.5 OWGR points.
FINAL MONEY, SCORES: 2018 OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
Carnoustie Golf Club | Carnoustie, Scotland | July 22, 2018
