Francesco Molinari feeling great ahead of title defence

Doug Mattushek
February 20, 2019

Reigning Race To Dubai champion Francesco Molinari is eager to repeat his feat in 2019.

The Italian enjoyed a superlative 2018, winning his maiden major championship at The Open, helping Europe to a comprehensive Ryder Cup win and playing remarkably consistent golf to claim top honours on the European Tour.

Molinari is yet to get his 2019 campaign underway in earnest, with just one T27 finish at the Sentry Tournament of Champions so far.

But ahead of this week’s WGC-Mexico Championship, the world number nine is keen and eager.

The brakes were off for @F_Molinari today🥊 adding yardage via winter speed training a combo of technique and physique.#boom pic.twitter.com/G8p7tbS6JB

— Denis Pugh (@Dpugh54) February 19, 2019

“I’m feeling great,” the 36-year-old told europeantour.com.

“Obviously it’s different to show up as the Race to Dubai champion. I’ll try to put up a good defence of that title and I’m looking forward to the season.

“I know it’s not going to be easy to repeat but it’s a long season and I’m glad to finally get started and hopefully get off to a strong start here in Mexico.

“I think the only way to follow up last year is to try and follow up with some of my own improvements, try not to get too outcome-focused. We all know in golf there are a lot of good players and the margins are very small, so I might play as well as last year and not win any tournaments.”

Joining Molinari in a star-studded field at Club de Golf Chapultepec is world number two Brooks Koepka, the big-hitting Dustin Johnson and the in-form Justin Thomas.