GolfPlus June 2018 Digital Edition (June 2018) | Page 17

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rancesco Molinari claimed a maiden Rolex Series victory
at the BMW PGA Championship after the Italian soared
to a two-stroke triumph courtesy of a fl awless four under
par fi nal round 68.
Tied for the lead with four-time Major winner Rory
McIlroy heading into the fi nal round, Molinari was composure
personifi ed as his Northern Irish playing partner struggled and the
35 year old from Turin never let his guard down after back-to-back
birdies at the third and fourth moved him clear at the top. A second
successive bogey-free round of the weekend and a 17 under total
handed Molinari a fi fth European Tour title and the largest prize
fund of his career, with the 1,166,660 Race to Dubai points moving
him to third position in the year-long Rankings.
The win also gives Molinari a timely boost
in his hopes of making a third Ryder Cup
appearance this September - with points earned
“It never feels like it’s your year but it’s
in Rolex Series events multiplied by 1.5, he
great to come out on top after being
catapulted himself to fourth in the European
close so many times down the years.
Points List and into the projected automatic
It was just a great week. To be honest
qualifi cation spots. McIlroy, meanwhile,
when I saw Rory three ahead after
endured a frustrating fi nal day at the pristine
two days I thought it was going to be
Surrey venue but birdies at both of the fi nal
very tough to catch him but the wind
two holes earned him a two under 70, a runner-
probably assisted me yesterday. Today
up fi nish on a 15 under total and a fourth top
was another very solid day for me and
fi ve in fi ve European Tour starts this season.
it was just enough to get it over the line.
Alex Noren, meanwhile, rounded off an
- Francesco Molinari
impressive title defence with a 67 for a 14
under total and a share of third spot, alongside
Lucas Bjerregaard of Denmark, who carded
his second 65 of the week for the biggest pay
cheque of his career.
Rory McIlroy - Runner up
Tommy Fleetwood - tees off on the 3rd hole during the
first round of the BMW PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy, Alex Noren and Lee Westwood
GolfPlus
JUNE
2018
27
Rory in his form