God but this was a tough watch.
Francesco Molinari played like a man destined to win the 2019 Masters.
For 65 holes, he was the golfer with the scrambling, putting, game-plan and temperament to win his first green jacket.
Then, on the 12th hole, a wheel came off. He found the water at that dreaded par three that has been a graveyard for the hopes of so many blazer chasers.
He eventually double-bogeyed but responded with a birdie and then a par. Then, 15 happened.
Molinari plonked his iron approach metres short of the green and into the water. He took a drop and nearly repeated the chalky dose. An ugly ‘7’ was etched onto his scorecard as he dropped to four shots off the lead.
For the second time today, Francesco Molinari finds the water. pic.twitter.com/CN7NqTCz4x
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 14, 2019
Molinari could have folded up the tent at that stage and signed off for a 76 or 77, but he battled bravely on.
He got par on 16 and then birdied the 17th. It gave him a chance to pick up another shot on 18 and hope for Tiger Woods to falter.
He got par and Woods bogeyed, but it was enough for the American to win his 15th Major.
Molinari looked to get off the 18th green to leave Woods to have his moment. There was a warm, congratulatory embrace at the end, and a few words shared, but the Italian will be haunted by his faltering finish.
Idiotic comments, and bad spelling, certainly don’t help…
https://twitter.com/possum4286/status/1117535729670815745
Not long after he had signed for a final round of 74, Molinari fronted up to the media after his heart-wrenching finish to a great championship. He commented:
“The attitude was good. It was tough in the wind but it was the same for everyone… I had a bad swing [at 12]. I had a good reaction at 13 and 14. 15 I just made a mess of the hole. It is what it is.
“I am proud of the week. I fought hard this week. I think I found some new fans today with two double bogeys.
“I think I learned a lot. Next year I will come back and and it won’t be the case where I have never played well here before.
“On the back nine, there were a couple of instances of not being aggressive enough and I lot a bit of focus. It is weird to say that but it is a long week and it is [hard to] keep focused 100%.”
Back in 2006, Molinari caddied for his elder brother Edoardo when he played at The Masters, with Woods alongside him.
13 years later and the reigning Open champion, and 2018 Ryder Cup hero, looked to be penning one hell of a story. As it was, Woods’ will trumped all and another story will be told of the 2019 Masters.
For Molinari to own his flaws, and vow to come back better for it, is the mark of the man.
Many golf fans will hope he gets another run at the coveted green again, in the near future.
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