Fantastico Francesco – Molinari Back With His Old Coach & Producing Lowest Round In Two Years To Head Hero Dubai Desert Classic

2 hours ago by 0

Italian golfing legend Francesco Molinari revealed he’s back working with a familiar figure, producing his lowest DP World Tour (DPWT) round in two years and take the clubhouse lead on day one of the Hero Dubai Classic.

Molinari, 43, was out from 10th and got off to a flyer birdieing four of his opening five holes and then after a run of seven pars he brilliantly re-emerged to birdie four of his six, including the last three in bright but windy conditions on the Emirates Club host course.

The potential future Ryder Cup Captain proudly headed to the clubhouse with a round of a seven-under 65 to be leading by three shots as the afternoon half of the draw were taking to the course.

“Yeah, I mean, obviously good comes to mind”, when asked to describe his round.

“Not super unexpected but I wasn’t expecting a score like that. Last week I felt very rusty, so I was hoping it would be very good prep for this week. Yeah, putter was the biggest difference to be honest.

“I m made some nice putts. Kept the round going in the middle where played a couple of iffy holes and made some good pars. Obviously very, very pleased with the start”.

The present World No. 418th ranked golfer, and contesting his 377th DPWT event is also seeking a first DPWT win since his memorable 2018 Open Championship success at Carnoustie, a win that managed to keep Tiger Woods away the winner’s podium.

Molinari had won a maiden event on the PGA Tour just a fortnight before his Open Championship triumph while he captured a second ‘regular’ PGA Tour victory at the 2019 Arnold Palmer Invitational.

His Dubai round of 65 was a best in almost two years, having signed for a rousing 65 to finish fifth in the 2024 Dubai Invitational.

As well, we should remember it is 20-years this year since the popular Italian won a maiden DPWT at the appropriate 2006 Italian Open.

And it was a question on this theme that Molinari was asked to talk about and revealing he is back working with renowned coach Denis Pugh, a person who was very much instrumental in Molinari establishing himself as a class player.

“I don’t know, compared to when? It’s been a long time. I’ve changed everything and then I’ve changed back”, he said.

“I’m back working with Denis Pugh. That’s been really nice. He doesn’t travel to tournaments anymore but I see him just a day a month at home, and he’s always been great and sort of simplifying stuff for me and clearing stuff out of my mind that doesn’t need to be there.

“And yeah, that’s been the biggest help”.

Well played, Francesco.  Keep it going.



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