It’s all about grisly elements of Golf at the Open Championship. Francesco Molinari has become the first Italian to win a major, holding off a pack of star names to claim The Open Championship at Carnoustie.

 

 

 

 

Thai star Kiradech Aphibarnrat ended his campaign with a second consecutive three-over-par 74 on Sunday but took pride in a battling performance which saw him make the cut for the first time in his fifth attempt at The 147th Open at Carnoustie.  

 

 

Molinari produced a two-under final round of 69 in windy conditions on the Scottish links to finish eight under. He finished two ahead of four players, including home favourites Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy, tied on six under. Tiger Woods finished five under after leading midway through the round, with Jordan Spieth on four under.

 

Molinari, 35, emerged from a six-way tie for the lead, when all the players were either on the back nine or in the clubhouse, to lift the Claret Jug.

 

 

 

 

                                         The leaderboard was dominated by big names indeed

 

 

The Europe Ryder Cup player started the final day three shots adrift of overnight leaders Spieth, Kevin Kisner and Xander Schauffele, but maintained composure while his rivals all dropped shots in a thrilling battle for the lead. "It is absolutely amazing," Molinari said. "I think it will take a long time to sink in. It has been a great week. "The course bit me a few times in the first two days, but to go bogey-free around this track at the weekend is incredible."

 

 

 

‘I always enjoy playing in the Open’

 

 

 

 

 

                             Kiradech admitted he was battling against fatigue after playing 10 weeks in a row

 

 

The big-hitting Kiradech, who is turning 29 years old on Monday, marked his card with four birdies against two double-bogeys and three bogeys to finish in tied-75th position on nine-over-par 293 total at the year’s third Major championship.

 

“My ball striking was much better although I didn’t get off to a good start. The plan was to go out there and enjoy every single minute since it is the first time I am playing in the weekend at The Open. It’s been such great fun,” said Kiradech, Asia’s number one in 2013.

 

 

Kiradech admitted he was battling against fatigue after playing 10 weeks in a row but believes a much-need rest is all he needs to regain his good form for the upcoming WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and the PGA Championship. “I always enjoy playing in The Open. I know I am not playing my best golf this week. My swing is not 100% and it’s definitely not my ‘A’ game. I think I have played a little bit too much. I need to rest to prepare for the upcoming World Golf Championship and the last Major,” he added.

 

 

Tiger Woods rues missed opportunity

 

 

 

 

Tiger Woods says not being able to convert a one-shot lead at the Open Championship into a shock 15th major title is "going to sting". The American led at seven under before a double bogey on 11 stalled his bid as Francesco Molinari went on to win.

 

Woods, 42, has not won a major since the 2008 US Open, with his career interrupted by personal problems and a serious back injury in recent years. "I had a great opportunity," said Woods, who shot 71 to tie for sixth.

 

 

INTERESTING SNIPPETS

• Rory McIlroy said, "For a while, I thought Tiger was going to win. My mindset was to go and spoil the party. I have no regrets. I played the way I wanted to play this week. It gives me a lot of encouragement going into the final major of the year.”
• Molinari wins his first major championship title, and second PGA TOUR title in his 123rd start at 35 years, 8 months 14 days. The Open was his sixth European Tour victory. Claimed first PGA TOUR title earlier this month at Quicken Loans National. Won fifth European Tour title in May at BMW PGA Championship.
• Becomes first Italian to win The Open.
• With 600 points, he moves from No. 27 to No. 7 in the FedExCup.

 

 

Day 1: Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat comes up with ‘Shot of the Day’ at the Open

Day 2: Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat makes cut at the Open

Day 3: Kiradech Aphibarnrat slips to 77th position following a 74 as Spieth co-leads the Open