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Francesco Molinari

Francesco Molinari is an Italian professional golfer from Turin, born on 8 November 1982.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Francesco Molinari is an Italian professional golfer from Turin, born on 8 November 1982. He is best known for winning the 2018 Open Championship, which made him the first Italian golfer to win a major championship. He has won multiple events on the European Tour/DP World Tour and PGA Tour, and played on Europe's Ryder Cup teams.

Early life and education

Molinari was born in Turin, Italy, on 8 November 1982. He studied economics at the University of Turin before turning professional in 2004.

Professional career

Molinari turned professional in 2004. He built his career on the European Tour/DP World Tour and later also competed on the PGA Tour, collecting multiple worldwide wins.

Major championship breakthrough

Molinari won the 2018 Open Championship at Carnoustie. The victory was his first major title and made him the first Italian golfer to win a major championship.

Team competitions

Molinari represented Europe in the Ryder Cup, including the 2018 winning team. He also won the 2009 World Cup of Golf with his brother Edoardo Molinari for Italy.

Key facts

  • Won the 2018 Open Championship at Carnoustie.
  • First Italian golfer to win a major championship.
  • Turned professional in 2004 after studying at the University of Turin.
  • Has won multiple events on the European Tour/DP World Tour and PGA Tour.
  • Played on Europe's Ryder Cup teams, including the 2018 winning team.
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Canadian context

He is relevant to Canadian readers through international men’s golf coverage, especially The Open Championship and Ryder Cup events, which are widely followed in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Francesco Molinari?
He is an Italian professional golfer from Turin, best known for winning The Open Championship in 2018.
What major did Francesco Molinari win?
He won The Open Championship in 2018, his first and only major title.
When did Francesco Molinari turn professional?
He turned professional in 2004.
Where is Francesco Molinari from?
He was born in Turin, Italy.
Did Francesco Molinari play in the Ryder Cup?
Yes. He represented Europe in the Ryder Cup, including the 2018 event in which he went 5-0.
Did Francesco Molinari win team events with his brother?
Yes. He and Edoardo Molinari won the 2009 World Cup of Golf for Italy.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francesco_Molinari
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, professional status, and 2018 Open Championship win.
  2. European Tour — https://www.europeantour.com/players/francesco-molinari-3289/
    Supports: Birthplace, height, turned professional in 2004, and tour career details.
  3. The Open — https://www.theopen.com/players/francesco-molinari
    Supports: 2018 Open Championship victory and related career milestones.
  4. PGA Tour — https://www.pgatour.com/player/25198/francesco-molinari
    Supports: Birthplace, turned professional date, college, career wins, family, residence, and language details.
  5. U.S. Open — https://victory.usopen.com/players/25198.html
    Supports: 2018 major win, Ryder Cup appearances, and 2019 Masters result.
  6. Where2Golf — https://www.where2golf.com/whos-who/francesco-molinari/
    Supports: Turned pro date, World Cup of Golf win, Ryder Cup record, and Race to Dubai title.
  7. National Club Golfer — https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/tour/player-profiles/francesco-molinari/
    Supports: Professional wins, birthplace, marriage, and family details.