Francesco Molinari reflects on victory over Tiger Woods at the 2012 Ryder Cup, 2018 Open

SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France – Francesco Molinari could be a useful resource for the European team of the Ryder Cup.

He already faces Tiger Woods at the Ryder Cup and at the major.

Molinari was in the anchoring match at the 2012 Ryder Cup when Woods conceded on the last hole to halve the match and give the Europeans a total win on the incredible return to Medinah. Molinari said the last hole was a "blur", and that the last Ryder Cup was played by Molinari and Woods.

"I've come a long way as a player since 2012," said Molinari, who lost his previous singles match against Woods in 2010, 4 and 3, "and I hope to be able to show him on the course this week."

The proof is the claret jug that he now keeps at home.

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To win his first major, he had to not only endure the circus that a Woods group brought, but he had to survive the major champion 14 times and a host of other contenders for victory at Carnoustie.

On this memorable day Tuesday, Molinari said he initially dreaded the date of the last round with Woods.

"If I'm quite honest, I really did not hope to be paired with Tiger, not because I do not like playing with him, but because, of course, the hype and the fact that He's competing in a major, it's going to be noisy and it's going to be a lot of people, "he said.

"The hardest part was probably the moment the draw took place, but I quickly managed to think, you know, whatever. I really do not care. I am here to do a job and they can not really influence my work. "

To thrive in this situation, Molinari had a lot of confidence, especially in a pressure cooker like the Ryder Cup.

Asked if there is more pressure to try to win a major tournament or a Ryder Cup – as he has done now – Molinari said, "You will not believe me, but it's far from be there. Carnoustie was far from Medinah or in any way. It's hard to believe, but it's probably because you play for a team; you play for a continent in our case and you know the tradition and what the players have done in the past.