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Open champion Molinari: Beating Woods wasn't about being ruthless

Playing with Tiger Woods can be a distraction for some, but Francesco Molinari faced the challenge head on to win at Carnoustie.

FRANCESCO MOLINARI INSISTS he did not have to take a ruthless mindset to deny Tiger Woods a fairytale Open Championship victory.

Woods’ fans were dreaming of a 15th major triumph when he went into the lead in the final round at Carnoustie as the overnight leaders fell back and he moved to seven under par for the tournament.

However, it was not to be for the American, who went double bogey-bogey at 11 and 12 and was unable to mount a challenge from there.

By contrast, Molinari was rewarded for a patient approach that returned two birdies and no bogeys as the Italian triumphed by two strokes to win a maiden major title.

Molinari accepted that playing with Woods brings about a different challenge due to the large crowds that follow his rounds, but remained adamant that his only focus was on winning the tournament.

“I don’t think it’s about being ruthless. Obviously, it’s golf. It’s sports. We’re competing against each other,” he said.

But I was competing against all the other guys as well, not only against him. There was very, very good sportsmanship during the whole round.

“Obviously, he had it going on the front nine, and then, unfortunately, just hit a couple of loose shots on the back nine. It’s hard not to pay for missed shots around Carnoustie.

“Playing with Tiger was another challenge because of the crowds and everything. But I felt really good this morning.

“When I came here, I felt I was ready for the challenge. Obviously conscious that it could have gone either way, but I knew I was going to do my best.”

Molinari added that he enjoyed the camaraderie with Woods during their round.

“Tiger himself was great. Really good sportsmanship with me,” he added.

“I’ve done it before. I’ve played with him before in Ryder Cups and in big occasions, so I knew what was coming, and I was ready for it.”

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    Mute Pauly Kel
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    Feb 23rd 2023, 5:45 PM

    Rip motty.. That iconic voice will never be forgotten. Legend of the game

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    Mute Martin Glynn
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    Feb 23rd 2023, 5:50 PM

    Gutted. Another childhood legend gone. RIP

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    Mute Matt Vaughan
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    Feb 23rd 2023, 6:14 PM

    I can remember Ricky Villa in 1981, Ray Wilkins in 1983, Norman Whiteside in 1985 and his voice made it so glamorous.
    His voice was in your head as you pretended to be those players when you were a kid.
    I loved the winning Argentine goal in 86, at the world cup.
    I was always disappointed if someone else was commenting on a match, and I know people put him in the same bracket with Barry Davies and Bryan Moore.
    Motson was above everyone.

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    Mute Joe Kennedy
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    Feb 23rd 2023, 7:30 PM

    @Matt Vaughan: remember that Ricky Villa commentary from 101 Great Goals VHS tape I used to have. Brilliant for sure!

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    Mute Joe Kennedy
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    Feb 23rd 2023, 7:31 PM
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    Mute Matt Vaughan
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    Feb 23rd 2023, 10:14 PM

    @Joe Kennedy: that was brilliant. Fair play Joe. It’s in his voice, it just captures the excitement in the moment. I could listen to clips of the commentary for hours.
    You’d almost being running out the back trying to copy what you’ve seen with his words ringing in your head. He captured moments, that were enhanced because of his commentary

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    Mute Joe Kennedy
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    Feb 23rd 2023, 11:53 PM

    @Matt Vaughan: “the big man from Argentina went round 1, 2, 3. Joe Corrigan came to block and Villa squeezed it in!” Brilliant!

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