Francesco Molinari could become the first Masters caddie to win the Masters
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Francesco Molinari could become the first Masters caddie to win the Masters

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Francesco Molinari is looking to make history early on Sunday in the final round of the 2019 Masters.

The reigning Open champion from 2018 is looking to become the first Italian to win the green jacket, and he would claim two of the last three majors played -- an incredible run of golf.

Molinari is also looking to become the first Masters caddie to win the Masters as a player.

The Italian stud grew up in a golf family, including with older brother Edoardo accomplishing the heights of golf early in his career. Edoardo won the 2005 US Amateur, which earned him a berth into the 2006 Masters. Edoardo needed a caddie for his foray into the Masters, and he chose his younger brother, Francesco.

Curiously enough, Edoardo (and Francesco) Molinari found themselves in a Thursday-Friday pairing at the 2006 Masters with the defending champion, Tiger Woods. Edoardo didn't make the cut that week, and he only went on to make three more Masters starts in his professional career. However, the picture of Edoardo and Francesco Molinari standing alongside Tiger Woods endures.

The picture and occasion has become even more meaningful as Francesco has realized his potential in 2018 and beyond. Much of Molinari's career year came at the expense of Tiger Woods:

  • Molinari beat Tiger Woods in the Miracle at Medinah final day of the 2012 Ryder Cup
  • Molinari beat Tiger Woods in the final round of the final Quicken Loans National, which Woods hosted
  • Molinari held off Tiger Woods in the same pairing to capture the 2018 British Open Championship, his first major
  • Molinari beat Woods (and a partner) in four matches at the 2018 Ryder Cup, where he became the first European to go 5-0-0 in a single Ryder Cup

Now Molinari, who carries a two-shot lead into the final round of the 2019 Masters, could once again deny Woods a critical milestone in his career.

About the author

Ryan Ballengee

Ryan Ballengee is founder and editor of Golf News Net. He has been writing and broadcasting about golf for nearly 20 years. Ballengee lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his family. He is a scratch golfer...sometimes.

Ballengee can be reached by email at ryan[at]thegolfnewsnet.com

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