Ryder Cup star Francesco Molinari named European Tour Golfer of the Year

Francesco Molinari was today announced the European Tour Golfer of the Year, following his Open triumph in July and his heroics at the Ryder Cup in September.

Molinari, 36, has enjoyed the season of his life, which also included winning the lucrative Race to Dubai and the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

The Italian became the first from his country to win one of golf’s major titles before claiming five points from five at Le Golf National, starring alongside Tommy Fleetwood,

“It is a huge honour to be named the European Tour Golfer of the Year,” he said.

“So many great names have earned this honour and I feel very proud to join them. It a nice way to end a very special year.

"Winning at Wentworth gave me a lot of confidence for the summer, but winning The Open at Carnoustie and becoming my country’s first Major champion was incredible.

“To then win the Race to Dubai and be part of that European Ryder Cup team in France was amazing.”