Francesco Molinari talks about golf, pressure and even some football
Francesco Molinari became the first Italian golfer to collect a major last year when he won the Open Championship. This year, Molinari, 36, defends the BMW PGA championship at the Wentworth Club in Surrey, England. He spoke about defensive golf, his record at Wentworth and how Italian golfers are better than football players. The following conversation has been edited and summarized:
Last year you said the BMW was the biggest win in your career. Why is that?
I think it was because of the way it came about, playing almost in a matchplay way with Rory McIlroy. I also just came a year in which I played well, but I did not turn my good weeks into victories. It was a victory that felt just different than my previous victories.
McIlroy held you to the point where you defeated him with two strokes. How did you handle that pressure?
I certainly felt the pressure. It is clear that when you are after someone like Rory, it is never over until the last hole. I always had that in mind to keep pushing and to keep as many shots as possible for all players. I felt like I was playing well. When I birdied the 12th hole, I think I had a lead of four shots. When you leave four points with six holes to go, you really only have to concentrate on doing the work and not making easy mistakes.
That's when your mind-set switches, when you close the tournament. You can easily take photos at that moment and you are aware of that. We were tied the first part of the round, I think. But when you are in charge, you naturally switch to defensive play and try not to give anything away, especially if you play someone like Rory who can easily make birdies. And the last two holes can be reached in par 5s. If there is anyone in the world who can end up with two eagles, then it is certainly Rory. You never feel really comfortable until it's over.
Only three players have successfully defended in Wentworth. What do you need to become the fourth?
Wow. I did not know that. That gives you an idea of how difficult it is. It will be a stronger field this year with the new date. I don't want to sound too simple, but I just have to play my best golf. A little less than that against this strong field won't do it – it won't be enough. I ended my American season a week earlier, so I had time to work at home and get ready for a busy end of the season, especially Wentworth. Hopefully I can show up and play good golf and gain some confidence. Wentworth is a place where I like to play and have a pretty incredible track record, even before last year. I can't wait to work those fairways again. But I know it won't be easy to win again.
You became second in 2017, won last year and were placed in various top 10 & # 39; s. What is it about Wentworth that works for you?
It's a combination of things – the job and the crowd. The course is one of my favorites. It fits my game. It's pretty hard from tee to green. You have to position the ball very well. It is not a course that you can play very well from the ground. It is also a special tournament for me. Like most Europeans, I remember growing up and seeing Nick Faldo and Seve Ballesteros playing. It gives me a special feeling when I arrive there. There aren't many jobs that are like that, to play on a job that you remember from your teenage years on your TV.
Do you personally suffer from footballers getting more worship than golfers in Italy?
After last year I am stopped much more often and I am asked for autographs and photos. It is the recognition of the results I have achieved and things I have achieved in the past two years. And it feels good. I think it's great if they are young children. Part of what I do is because I was that young kid looking up to Costantino Rocca and all the Italian players who were on tour. It is great to know that I am now doing the same with the younger generations.
But I am not the kind of man who seeks too much public attention. Soccer players get a lot of love, but they also get a lot of hatred if they don't play well. Italians are very passionate about sport. Soccer is a tough sport. I prefer golf.
