Francesco Molinari has had a rough time at major tournaments since his 2018 Open Championship win, missing the cut in eight of his last 11 majors. But this weekend at the U.S. Open, he pulled off a miraculous feat that kept him in the running. As he approached his final hole on Friday, Molinari was on the verge of missing the cut once again, sitting at 5-over and two shots behind the projected cut line.
However, on the par-3 ninth hole, Molinari managed to hit a perfect shot that ended up in the cup for a hole-in-one. This incredible ace brought him back to 5-over, right at the cut line. The unexpected turn of events allowed him to make the cut and play the weekend at a major tournament for the first time since the 2022 Open Championship.
The ace was a moment of disbelief for Molinari, who received hugs from his playing partners Sergio Garcia and Ryo Ishikawa. This lucky shot also marked the second hole-in-one of the day at the course, following Sepp Straka’s ace on the ninth hole.
Despite his struggles in recent majors, Molinari’s performance at the U.S. Open proves that he still has the ability to deliver under pressure. While he may not be the dominant force many thought he would become after his Open Championship victory, Molinari’s resilience and determination have earned him a chance to compete on the weekend at Pinehurst No. 2.
As he continues his journey in the tournament, Molinari’s incredible ace on the final hole will undoubtedly be a story to remember and a highlight in his career. While the road to another major victory may be challenging, Molinari has shown that he has the skill and composure to rise to the occasion when it matters most.