Ryder Cup hero Franceso Molinari admitted he was relieved to contribute fully to a European victory after his record-breaking performance at Le Golf National.
Molinari followed four wins alongside Tommy Fleetwood with victory over Phil Mickelson in Sunday’s singles, becoming the first European player – and only the second ever after Larry Nelson in 1979 – to compile a perfect 5-0 record.
The Open champion had previously lost four and halved two of his six matches in the contest, although he was still on the winning side at Celtic Manor in 2010 and Medinah in 2012.
Incredible. The first ever European to win 5/5 points at The Ryder Cup #RyderCup Truly The Champion Golfer of the Year. pic.twitter.com/Ckk3LUBfmB — The Open (@TheOpen) September 30, 2018
“I’ve been part of another two winning teams where I didn’t bring full points, and I’m glad after I’ve been carried on the shoulders by some of these guys to give something back,” a typically modest Molinari said.
“But it’s about every one of these guys, the vice captains, it’s just the best team I’ve ever been part of by miles.
“It’s been intense, but the adrenaline is so much that you could keep going. Today it was hard. There wasn’t much energy, but it’s not about individuals, it’s about the other guys on the team and the atmosphere that we created.
Molinari doing an interview. Rahm leading the "Moli, Molinari" chants 😂#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/NkNruph1yY — Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 30, 2018
“I honestly don’t feel any difference bringing five points or one point or half a point like I did in Wales or in Medinah. I said it on Saturday when they were asking me and Tommy about winning four out of four, it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t win the cup.
“That’s what this team is about, and I think honestly, that’s what makes the difference in the end of the week.”
Although a European win was already assured with three players guaranteed at least half a point when only one more was needed, Molinari also had the honour of officially securing the winning point when Mickelson conceded after dumping his tee shot into the water on the 16th.
“It means so much, more than majors, more than anything,” the 35-year-old said. “It’s hard not to get emotional.
“They had probably the strongest team ever and we were just so good, it is unreal. Today it was hard to get the energy, but I stepped it up when I had to.”
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