Molinari wants to follow in Rory's footsteps
September 13, 2012 09:37:42 UK
Francesco Molinari is hoping to follow the example of world number one Rory McIlroy and continue the winning run of European players at this week's BMW Italian Open ahead of this month's Ryder Cup.
Molinari will make his second successive appearance in golf's greatest team event in two weeks' time after earning an automatic place on Jose Maria Olazabal's team.
The Italian is relishing the chance to help Europe try to defend the trophy against one of the strongest teams that America has fielded in years. Europe are 2.50 to win the trophy while the USA can be backed at 1.72 and the tie is available at 12.00.
Rory has been amazing and it's really good for the team spirit.
Francesco Molinari
McIlroy, a crucial member of the European challenge, has been sweeping all before him in America in the last month, winning three of his last four tournaments, and Molinari is aiming to boost team spirit further with a good display in front of his home crowd over the next four days.
He said: "Obviously with the Ryder Cup in two weeks everything is getting very exciting. I hope it's going to be good preparation for Chicago. It's great to see so many players in the team on good form.
"Rory has been amazing and it's really good for the team spirit. The Americans had a really good early season and summer, so it's important to show everyone that the Europeans are ready."
Molinari won his home championship in 2006 and has high hopes of repeating his victory this week, with older brother Edoardo and Italian teenage sensation Matteo Manassero also in the field at Royal Park.
There is sure to be added attention focused on Molinari in the first two days in Turin with the Italian having been paired with Ryder Cup team-mates Nicolas Colsaerts and Martin Kaymer in the opening two rounds.
He added: "I'm playing well and I've had a couple of weeks off to get ready for this week and for the Ryder Cup. It's different from normal weeks because of the pressure of the crowd wanting you to do well.
"The golf course is slightly different from previous years because the rough is not so high. I think it might get a bit firmer if the weather is okay. I think it will be quite low scoring as usual."
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