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  • Francesco Molinari WITB (28th November, 2024) - What's In The Bag? The RSM Classic at The Plantation Course

Francesco Molinari WITB (28th November, 2024) - What's In The Bag? The RSM Classic at The Plantation Course

The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver is Francesco's weapon of choice off the tee.

Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond 9° with a Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X shaft

3 Wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max 15° with a Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X shaft

5 Wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond 18° with a Fujikura Ventus Black 8 X shaft

Irons: Callaway Apex Pro (4i), Callaway Apex TCB (5i-PW) with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts

Wedges: Callaway Jaws Raw (50°-10S, 56°-10S, 60°-12X) with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts

Putter: Odyssey Toulon Design Madison

Ball & Grips: Callaway Chrome Soft X with Golf Pride MCC grips

Who is Francesco Molinari and WITB?

Francesco Molinari, affectionately dubbed "Frankie" by fans, is an Italian golfing maestro who combines ice-cold precision with Mediterranean charm. Born on November 8, 1982, in Turin, Italy, he quickly rose from humble beginnings to become one of golf’s elite players. Known for his unshakable focus and pinpoint accuracy, Molinari is a Ryder Cup hero, a major champion, and a golfing technician par excellence.

Francesco didn’t come from a golf dynasty. His journey started modestly, playing on a public course near his home. Alongside his older brother Edoardo (also a professional golfer), he showed early promise, but it was Francesco’s relentless work ethic that set him apart. In a world where many rely on raw talent, Molinari worked harder, smarter, and often longer to perfect his craft.

He gained international fame in 2018, becoming the first Italian to win a major championship at The Open. That wasn’t all. That same year, he went undefeated at the Ryder Cup, becoming Europe’s hero as he and Tommy Fleetwood—dubbed “Moliwood”—steamrolled their competition.

Francesco’s approach to golf is unapologetically unglamorous. He’s not about smashing 400-yard drives or flashy social media antics; instead, he quietly dismantles courses with Swiss-watch accuracy. He’s the guy who doesn’t need drama to win—you just look up, and somehow, he’s on top of the leaderboard.

Francesco Molinari’s Golf Bag and Equipment

Francesco Molinari’s bag isn’t just a collection of clubs; it’s a carefully curated arsenal of tools designed to tackle every challenge the game throws at him. Let’s delve into the specifics of his setup:

The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver is Francesco's weapon of choice off the tee. Known for its low-spin characteristics and sleek head design, this driver suits Molinari’s accurate, controlled style. Paired with the Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X shaft, the setup provides exceptional stability and a consistent launch, ensuring that every drive is precise and efficient.

This club offers Molinari a perfect blend of distance and workability, essential for attacking long par-5s or strategic layups. The Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X shaft complements the head, delivering a mid-trajectory flight with minimal spin for consistency and power.

The 5-wood provides versatility, ideal for navigating tricky course conditions or delivering precise long-range approaches. With the slightly heavier Fujikura Ventus Black 9 X shaft, Molinari achieves greater control, even under pressure.

The combination of Apex Pro and Apex TCB irons caters to Molinari’s need for both distance and control. The 4-iron offers added forgiveness, while the Apex TCB irons excel in shot-shaping and spin control. The X100 shafts ensure a penetrating ball flight with exceptional accuracy.

Molinari's wedges are built for precision. The aggressive grooves of the Callaway Jaws Raw provide maximum spin, while the varying lofts and bounce profiles suit a variety of lies and shot types. The S400 shafts provide the stability needed for finesse shots under pressure.

The Toulon Madison putter offers Francesco a milled blade with exceptional feel and control. Its smooth roll and reliable alignment features make it perfect for his methodical, precise approach on the greens.

Molinari opts for the Chrome Soft X ball, valued for its combination of speed, spin, and feel. The Golf Pride MCC grips offer enhanced traction and control, ensuring Molinari’s grip remains secure regardless of conditions.

Francesco Molinari’s Biography and Career Highlights

Francesco’s career began on the European Tour, where he earned his first victory in 2006 at the Telecom Italia Open. Over the years, he developed a reputation as a relentless ball striker with an uncanny ability to remain calm under pressure.

His crowning achievement came at the 2018 Open Championship at Carnoustie, where he outplayed Tiger Woods and a stacked leaderboard to lift the Claret Jug. That same year, Molinari was instrumental in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory, going a perfect 5-0-0 in matches—a feat rarely accomplished.

Molinari’s success didn’t come overnight. He honed his skills alongside his older brother Edoardo, himself a professional golfer, and his dedication to refining his game has made him a standout competitor in both the PGA and European Tours.

Performance at the RSM Classic

At last weekend’s RSM Classic, Molinari showcased flashes of brilliance, reminding fans of his steely resolve and precise ball striking. While he didn’t contend for the win, his performance underscored his ability to compete with the best. With his experience and technical game, Francesco remains a formidable presence on any leaderboard.

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