THE 154TH OPEN

July 17, 2026

Francesco Molinari

Mixed Zone

Q. Your round, how do you think it went?

FRANCESCO MOLINARI: Pretty good. Started off well. It was challenging to see really completely a different golf course from what we had yesterday and what we had in the practice rounds with the different wind directions. A few doubts on the tees, especially on which club to hit. But I think I managed around well. Could have holed a couple more putts maybe at the end, but obviously anything under par around here is a good round.

Q. I guess the bogey on the last is the slight disappointment, isn't it. But you got the birdie on the 17th. But overall very impressive.

FRANCESCO MOLINARI: Yeah, I also had a really good chance on 16, especially after a really good 5-wood off the tee. I'm not so upset about the putt, more about the 5-iron into the green. Probably should have done better with that.

But it's accepting it's tough out there. No one is going to play perfect golf. As long as you can make a few birdies here and there and try to contain the bogeys, that's the whole --

Q. And great for confidence because I understand your form hasn't been a tip-top levels in recent tournaments. To come here and to start playing like this must be great for your confidence.

FRANCESCO MOLINARI: Yeah, I didn't have a great stretch over the last few months, but I played better last week in Scotland, which was nice to see coming in here. Yeah, I think the game is in a good place at the moment. But like I say, I think out there, a lot of it is just mentally accepting how hard it is and how precise you need to be to control the ball, and if you're not, just try to save pars. It's a good challenge, I'm sure, for everyone.

Q. For the next few days, what do you think we can expect from you?

FRANCESCO MOLINARI: I don't know. I don't know myself what to expect. But I'll do my best. I'll try my best and see where that takes me.

Q. You're a West Ham supporter like me?

FRANCESCO MOLINARI: Unfortunately, yeah.

Q. Did you see the statement from Bowen today?

FRANCESCO MOLINARI: Yeah, I saw Mark Noble the other day. He told me they were convincing him to stay.

Q. Oh, he told you, did he?

FRANCESCO MOLINARI: Yeah, the day before yesterday.