Open champion Molinari called European Tour Golfer of the Year

Molinari helped Europe win back the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National in Paris, the US beat 17½-10½

Open champion Francesco Molinari is called European Tour Golfer of the Year.

The 36-year-old Italian was a hero of the Europe & # 39; s Ryder Cup victory over the United States at Le Golf National in September.

Molinari also won the BMW PGA Championship in Wentworth and stopped Rory McIlroy to secure the victory.

it was his triumph two months later in Carnoustie that distinguished him from his other European Tour rivals.

Molinari was the first player of the home team to win all five games in the Ryder Cup.

He was impeccably impeccable in a bogey-free final round 69 because he packaged a high quality pack with, among others, play partner Tiger Woods, McIlroy, Justin Rose and the American star Xander Schauffele.

After claiming that first big title, Molinari won the title of the European Tour & # 39; s Race to Dubai to conclude the best year of his career.

"It is a great honor to be called the Hilton European Tour Golfer of the Year," he said.

"So many great names have earned this honor and I am very proud to join

" It's a prize that means a lot to me and it's a nice way to Very special year. Winning at Wentworth, in one of our biggest events, gave me great confidence for the summer. "

" But winning the Open in Carnoustie, becoming the first great champion of my country, was incredible.

"To then win the race to Dubai and be part of that European Ryder Cup team in France was great, I will always look back on this season and be proud of what has happened."

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive Executive of the European Tour, said: "It is true that we pay special tribute to Francesco Molinari who repeatedly made history this year

" Francesco is not just a phenomenal golfer, he is also a great person and during this season he has consistently reminded us of what a great ambassador he is for our race. "