Francesco Molinari, train for the Paris Games

Italian golfer Francesco Molinari finds himself in a pivotal moment as he gears up to compete in the PGA Championship, the second major tournament of the year, taking place from tomorrow until Sunday, May 19th, in Louisville, Kentucky. As the sole Italian representative in the field, Molinari sees this event as one of his last opportunities to secure a spot at the upcoming Paris Olympics.

Francesco Molinari, results

Currently ranked as the third highest Italian golfer in the world (at 297th), Molinari trails behind both Guido Migliozzi (197th) and Matteo Manassero (174th). With just one month left until the June 17th qualification deadline, Molinari is poised to make a final push for Olympic qualification. His prospects are buoyed by the absence of both Migliozzi and Manassero at the Valhalla Golf Club for the 106th edition of the PGA Championship.

Molinari is no stranger to the PGA Championship, having competed in the prestigious event 13 times throughout his career. His debut in 2009 saw him clinch a top 10 finish, securing tenth place. In 2017, he came agonizingly close to victory, finishing in second place behind Justin Thomas, and in 2018, he secured a respectable sixth-place finish.

In terms of Olympic participation, Molinari has experienced disappointment, having missed both the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and the recent Tokyo Olympics due to a back injury. Now, he sees the PGA Championship as a crucial opportunity to reignite his Olympic aspirations and make a statement on the international stage.

As Molinari tees off in Louisville, he carries the hopes of Italian golf fans and his own ambitions for Olympic glory. With his seasoned experience and determination, Molinari aims to make every stroke count in his quest for Olympic qualification at the PGA Championship.

Francesco Molinari, born on November 8, 1982, in Turin, Italy, is a renowned Italian golfer. He is the younger brother of fellow golfer Edoardo Molinari.

On July 22, 2018, Molinari etched his name in Italian golf history by becoming the first Italian to win a major tournament with his victory at the 147th British Open. This milestone achievement solidified his place as a trailblazer in Italian golf. Just a few months later, on November 18, 2018, he further solidified his legacy by winning the Race to Dubai, becoming the first Italian golfer to claim the title of European Tour’s best player. This accolade marked a significant milestone in Italian golf history.

Molinari’s impact on the global golf stage was further highlighted during the 42nd edition of the Ryder Cup held in France in 2018. In a historic performance, he became the first player ever to win all five of his matches, contributing five crucial points to Team Europe. His decisive victory over the renowned golfer Phil Mickelson in a one-sided match sealed the Ryder Cup victory for the European team. Molinari’s partnership with English golfer Tommy Fleetwood also left an indelible mark, as the duo remained undefeated in all of their matches, earning widespread acclaim and recognition.

Molinari’s accomplishments have not only elevated his own status in the golfing world but have also brought significant recognition to Italian golf on the international stage. His historic achievements continue to inspire aspiring golfers and cement his legacy as one of Italy’s greatest athletes in the sport.