It was on the Royal Park course in Turin where Francesco Molinari honed his current World No. 20 ranked game and now he’s well into position for a second BMW Italian Open success.
Francesco Molinari looking for his second BMW Italian Open success.
The Ryder Cup winning star recorded five birdies in a four under par 68 to be among a handful of players tied in third place on 10-under par.
It left Molinari trailing just two strokes behind England’s Robert Rock who carded a 68 and break clear of compatriot and playing partner, Chris Wood who had a 69 and shares second place with Dutchman Joost Luiten (67).
There was a one hour and 20 minute delay late in the day due a thunderstorm and with players already competing under a ‘preferred lie’.
Returning home to Turin has meant a lot of extra off-course undertakings for Molinari just as it is for any leading player heading back to compete in his or her own national Open.
Molinari’s attended dinners, and along with Matteo Manassero, undertaken a lot of TV and media work.
There was pressure on his fellow Celtic Manor winning brother Edoardo to travel from the States but he’s elected to remain Stateside ahead of next week’s U.S. Open.
“This week there is quite a lot of pressure, but it’s good to play well to give the home crowd something to cheer about,” said Francesco.
Italy's top golfer Francesco Molinari in big demand during BMW Italian Open week.
“It wasn’t easy deciding to play here before the U.S. Open. But the Italian Golf Federation was very helpful in arranging for us to go from to Congressional on Sunday night on a private jet.
“Matteo, Robert Rock and myself along with the caddies will be on the flight.
“It’s going to make a big difference to get out of here on Sunday night.
“So there is enough pressure this week to think about next week but I am really focused on this week and it’s good preparation for U.S. Open.”
Molinari broke through to capture his first Race to Dubai title in winning the 2006 Italian Open at Milan.
Victory also earned Molinari his weight in Parmesan cheese.
Late last year, he earned the biggest pay cheque of his six year pro career in being presented with a cheque for Euro 860,000 in capturing the WGC – HSBC Champions in Shanghai.
Also on 10-under par is countryman Lorenzo Gagli (66), Welshman Rhys Davies (68), Frenchman Gregory Bourdy (68) and England’s Gary Boyd (65).
French rookie Victor Dubuisson posted a 10-under par 62 under a ‘preferred lie’ ruling to be at nine under par.
Australia’s Marcus Fraser was celebrating despite missing out on winning a BMW Series 6 Cabrio in holing out for an ace at the par three, fourth hole and with the car on offer at the par three, 15th.
Last year’s Ballantine’s Championship winner was presented with a magnum of Forrador bubbly and, of course, the honour on the next tee.
