Share

Italy lauds 'Mr Ryder' Molinari

accreditation
Francesco Molinari (AP)
Francesco Molinari (AP)

Milan - Francesco Molinari was hailed in his native Italy on Monday for his "out of this world" performance that helped seal a resounding victory for Europe over the United States in the Ryder Cup.

The British Open champion became the first European player to win all five of his matches at a Ryder Cup as he eased to a 4 and 2 win over Phil Mickelson to secure the hosts the trophy by 17.5 to 10.5 at Le Golf National outside Paris on Sunday.

"There's just one Tiger and he's called Chicco," headlined Corriere Dello Sport, using 35-year-old Molinari's nickname.

"Molinari in outer space in the Ryder Cup: decisive point and record wins," it said.

Gazzetta Dello Sport wrote: "Mr Ryder is an Italian. Molinari goes beyond the limits of expectations."

Molinari's performance capped a remarkable season that began with his maiden major title at Carnoustie in July. He is the first player from either side to claim five points at a Ryder Cup since the USA's Larry Nelson in 1979.

The Turin native's heroics were seen as a boost for golf in Italy with the 2022 Ryder Cup to be hosted at the Marco Simone Golf and Country club outside Rome.

"The hope is that the great performances of Francesco were only a warm-up for the Ryder Cup in Rome," said Franco Chimenti, president of the Italian Golf Federation.

"In four years we'll have an even more beautiful Ryder Cup thanks to him."

Chimenti added: "A player who wins everything in the Ryder Cup for three consecutive days must be considered among the most important athletes not only in Italian but world sport.

"He has all the qualities to be the number one in the world."

Ryder Cup 2022 Project Director Gian Paolo Montali said he hoped the Francesco effect would rub off on the popularity of golf beyond the Rome Ryder Cup.

"The eyes of the whole world will be on us," said Montali.

"The goal is to get from 90 000 to 118 000 registered golf players by 2027, but I hope we can do that much sooner."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE