Francesco Molinari established himself as a fixture in professional golf by becoming the first Italian to secure a major championship victory at the 2018 Open Championship. His career path, which began in Turin and progressed through a degree in economics at the University of Turin, highlights a consistent rise to the top tier of the international rankings.
Early Development and Amateur Success
Born on 8 November 1982, Molinari developed his game alongside his older brother, Edoardo Molinari. During his amateur years, he secured the Italian Match Play Championship in 2004 and claimed the Italian Amateur Stroke Play Championship twice. Following his university graduation, he transitioned to the professional circuit, earning his European Tour card for the 2005 season via qualifying school.
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Molinari registered his first professional European Tour victory at the 2006 Telecom Italia Open. His momentum continued in 2009 when he and his brother won the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China, marking Italy's sole success in that event. By October 2009, he achieved a top-50 placement in the Official World Golf Ranking, setting the stage for his 2010 victory at the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai, where he edged out Lee Westwood by a single stroke.
Dominance in 2018
The 2018 season remains the pinnacle of his professional career. After winning the BMW PGA Championship, he claimed his maiden major at the Open Championship. He later secured a win at the Quicken Loans National, becoming the first Italian to capture a PGA Tour event since 1947. That same year, he earned a perfect 5-0-0 record for Europe in the Ryder Cup and secured the Race to Dubai title.
International Competition and Consistency
Molinari represented Europe in winning Ryder Cup teams in 2010, 2012, and 2018. His play during the 2012 Ryder Cup was instrumental in Europe's final-day comeback, where he halved his match against Tiger Woods to help seal the victory. Throughout his career, he maintained a spot in the top 100 of the Official World Golf Ranking for twelve consecutive years, from November 2008 to November 2020.
Fast facts
- Born: 8 November 1982, Turin, Italy
- Education: University of Turin
- Major Wins: 1 (2018 Open Championship)
- Ryder Cup Record: 3 wins (2010, 2012, 2018)
- Brother: Edoardo Molinari
- Career Peak: 6th in Official World Golf Ranking
- Awards: Gold Collar for Sports Merit
Questions readers ask
Did Francesco Molinari win the Ryder Cup?
Yes, he was a member of the winning European teams in 2010, 2012, and 2018.
What is his best result in a major championship?
He won the 2018 Open Championship, which was his first and only major title.
