Francesco Molinari Clinches Stunning Italian Open Victory

The 33-year-old recorded 22 birdies and two eagles

(RELEASE) - Italian Francesco Molinari kept a cool head to secure an historic victory at the Italian Open hosted at the Golf Club Milano.

The 33-year-old recorded 22 birdies and two eagles during a rain-affected four days, playing the final two rounds in 13 under par. The win marks Molinari's second triumph in the Open, the first time an Italian has claimed the trophy twice the tournament joined The European Tour schedule in 1972.

“I was inspired by the energy that the fans brought to the course, so to win my national open for the second time in front of them is very special,” said Molinari, who previously won the tournament a decade ago in 2006, and has won four tour events since 2012.

In addition to finishing atop the leaderboard, Molinari also finished in 5th place (80.6%) for GIR, and 4th in the driving accuracy stakes (71.4%).

Molinari wore Nike Performance Apparel for the duration of the week, including the Nike MM Fly Sphere Graphic Polo. He also relied on the stability and comfort of the Nike FI Premiere footwear. The FI Premiere features Nike Flyweave material on the upper, providing lightweight support and superior fit.

MOLINARI'S NIKE GOLF GEAR
- Apparel: Nike Performance
- Footwear: Nike FI Premiere            
- Driver: Nike Vapor Fly 10.5°N
- Fairway Wood: Nike Vapor Fly 3-wood 13°
- Hybrid: Nike Vapor Fly #2 17°
- Irons: Nike Vapor Pro Combo (4), Nike Vapor Pro (5-PW)
- Wedges: Nike Engage 52° SS, 56° DS, 60° DS
- Putter: Nike Method Origin B1-05
- Ball: Nike RZN Tour Platinum

NIKE GOLF'S 2016 PGA TOUR VICTORIES
- Rory McIlroy – Deutsche Bank Championship
- Jhonattan Vegas – RBC Canadian Open
- Tony Finau – Puerto Rico Open

NIKE GOLF'S 2016 INTERNATIONAL VICTORIES
- Francesco Molinari – Italian Open (European Tour)
- Paul Peterson – D+D REAL Czech Masters (European Tour)
- Dylan Frittelli – Rolex Trophy (European Challenge Tour)
- Joël Stalter – Swedish Challenge (European Challenge Tour)
- JJ Spaun - News Sentinel Open (Web.com Tour)
- Ryuko Tokimatsu - Dunlop Srixon Fukushima Open (Japan Golf Tour)
- Ryuko Tokimatsu - Nestle Inviational Match-Play (Japan Golf Tour)
- Rumi Yoshiba – Nippon Ham Ladies Classic (JLPGA)
- Rory McIlroy – Dubai Duty Irish Open (European PGA Tour)
- Jordan Smith – Red Sea Egyptian Challenge (European Challenge Tour)
- Hao-Tong Li – Volvo China Open (European PGA Tour)