Reale Seguros Open de España. Molinari Wins

                                                                                                                                      

Francesco Molinari (Getty Images)

Francesco Molinari shot a brilliant closing round of -7 under par and 65, and a tournament total of -8, to win the Reale Seguros Open de España, his  third European Tour title. The overnight leader Simon Dyson could only manage a 76 , and that after birdies at the first two holes, Francesco produced the best round of the week, here in Seville, Spain. With seven birdies in the first 14 holes followed by four closing pars gave the 29 year old the first prize of more than €333,330.

Francesco knew he just needed some putts to drop;

“I knew I was playing well. I just needed some putts to drop. I was also hoping the other guys would not go too far under par and everything worked out perfectly. The first leaderboard I saw where I was leading was on 12, but they had a few more birdie chances than me and so I knew I needed a couple more.”

This win moves Francesco back into the world’s top 30, but he is still not in a qualifying position for this year’s Ryder Cup, he commented;

 ”I just have to play the same golf a few more weeks and hopefully I will be there.  Everybody is desperate to make the team, but unfortunately for us there are only 12 spots. It’s going to be hard, there are a lot of great players in Europe at the moment.”

In this kind of form Francesco Molinari would be a great asset to the Ryder Cup Team.

Tied in second spot, three shots adrift of the leader were, Alejandro Canizares, Soren Kjeldsen and Pablo Larrazabal. Local favorite Jorge Campillo finished with a tournament score of -3 under par, and five shots off the winning total.

Reale Seguros Open de España in Seville, 3rd round, Dyson leads

Simon Dyson (Getty Images)

Simon Dyson leads the Reale Seguros Open de España in Seville after the third round. The highest-ranked player in the field, took over at the top in the rain-delayed third round, there was a delay of nearly two hours to clear flooded greens and bunkers. Simon holds a one shot lead over Pablo Larrazabal in the rain affected third round, completing a round 0f -1 under par 71.

Gregory Bourdy the overnight leader sadly three-putted the first and third holes of his third round, while Robert Rock  bogeyed the opening three holes. Young  Italian Matteo Manassero  bogeyed the second and dropped three more strokes at the fourth after driving into a bush.

The local favorite Jorge Campillo is only two shots behind and is still seriously involved in this competition, and with Pablo also well placed carry the hopes of Spain for a Spanish winner to the tournament.

Robert Rock and Matteo Manassero have fallen back and are at level par for the tournament and at best are now vying for the minor places, unless the leaders really make a mess of their last round.

The final round tomorrow should be an exciting day for players and spectators alike, just bring on the sunshine.

European Tour, 2nd round @ Reale Seguros Open de España in Seville

   

     Gregory Bourdy (Getty Images)

Gregory Bourdy leads after the second round of the Reale Seguros Open de España, in Seville. Gregory’s -6 under par round of 66 gives him just a one shot lead over four players with a tournament total of -5 under par. Right behind him at -4 under the card for the tournament are, Simon Dyson, Matteo Manassero, Robert Rock and local favorite Jorge Campillo. Anyone who is under par in this tournament is still in with a chance to win, the field is that close and so far no one has taken a grip on it.

Gregory said of the tough conditions;

“I’ve just been patient, I’ve not made a score like that for a long time in these conditions. It’s good for the confidence. I’m very happy about this round, particularly in these conditions. I made eight birdies and just two bogeys.  Yesterday one over was not so bad in that wind, but today I played really well, I felt comfortable and very solid, very consistent and I also made some important putts, so I’ll try to keep going like this.”

Simon  polished off  his 69 with a 12 foot putt for eagle, using his new belly putter;

“It appeared to bobble and I started walking, but it kept going and dropped.  I switched because I’ve just not been holing out well. It’s harder to get the pace, but I start it on the right line more consistently.”

Matteo was really very happy with his score, but thought he did not actually play that well;

“It wasn’t an easy day and I’m happy because I didn’t really play that well but managed to score.  Today I took the right side of the draw. Early morning we just had a little breeze and it’s certainly going to be more difficult in the afternoon. I didn’t play really well, but never put myself in serious trouble. I’ve scrambled well, I made some good up and downs at the beginning of my back nine, but the last four or five holes I started playing very good golf well and that gives me some confidence.  I’m really happy to be in contention, to be around the lead, and we shall see what happens.”

Notables missing the cut include; Michael Campbell, Alvaro Quiros, Rich Beam, Colin Montgomery, Paul Lawrie and amazingly Miguel Angel Jimenez, the Spaniard has never won his National title.

European Tour

                                                        

A competent five under par 67 saw former US PGA Championship winner Shaun Micheel enjoy a one shot lead after the opening round of the Reale Seguros Open de España. He has a one shot lead over home favourite Jorge Campillo and the English pair of Robert Rock and Danny Willett, and their compatriot Matthew Baldwin is alone in fifth on three under.

Shaun Micheel (Getty Images)

Shaun seemed surprised at his lead;

I didn’t expect this. Yesterday in the pro-am I didn’t make any birdies, and it wasn’t for lack of effort, I can assure you. I had a terrific start with four birdies on my first six holes. I think the key was I kept the ball in play, made a couple of nice putts, and I made all my short putts. My iron play was good and I just managed myself well and gave myself a lot of opportunities. Outside my bogey in the last, I’m extremely pleased. I made 8 birdies, it felt great, it really did. I’m ready to play tomorrow in the same conditions, I do enjoy playing in difficult conditions.”

Local favorite Jorge Campillo was also very pleased with his start to the tournament;

“I feel great playing this good. The course is playing tough and I managed to make no bogeys, so I’m very happy with the way I played today.”