Molinari Defends his Crown at the Italian Open
By Audrey Nolan
Francesco Molinari will start the defense of his Italian Open Crown on Thursday at the Castello di Tolcinasco Golf Club, place where is going to be held in the Southern part of Milan.
He is the first Italian to win a European Tour at home since Massimo Mannelli did it back in 1980. Molinari did an excellent sub-70 rounds to finish with a winning total of 23 -under-par- the lowest in the event’s history.
"I don't think they expected an Italian to win last year, so they all went crazy over the last few holes it was more like a football match,” Molinari recalls. ”Maybe I won't do as well, but if I can be in contention then the crowd can enjoy it again. “It’s going to be a new feeling for me, defending a title in the professional ranks, and I hope to do well.”
He will be joined by his brother Edoardo Molinari who is the current leader of the challenge tour. The 26 year old is expecting to do it right this time; he finished last of 156 entrants on last’s year competition. Both brothers are hungry of victory and success and their plans are to expand the game in Italy.
Beyond the home challengers a competitive international field has been assembled for the tournament with a record prize fund of €1.7 million (£1 million) and a winner's check of €283,330 (£190,000).
The expectations are bigger now, since the victory of the South African Charl Shwartzel last week in the Spain Open plus the presence of the Ryder Cup star Paul McGinley, who is looking positive after a top-20- finish in Madrid. The battle will continue and we will shortly see the outcome.
About the Author:
Audrey Nolan is a high-ranking writer on sports for the online betting industry. You can also find more of her work at www.instantactionsports.com/uk/
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