The Open 2018 - as it happened: Francesco Molinari wins first-ever Major title

All the action from the final round at Carnoustie

The Open Championship in numbers

Francesco Molinari became the first Italian player to win a major title after one of the most dramatic final rounds in Open Championship history.

Molinari, who had two wins and two second places in his previous five starts this season, carded a nerveless closing 69 at a windswept Carnoustie to finish eight under par, two shots clear of Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy, Kevin Kisner and Xander Schauffele.

Playing alongside a rejuvenated Tiger Woods, Molinari followed 13 straight pars with a birdie on the 14th and finished a brilliant round in fitting style with another from just three feet on the 18th.

Here's how it played out:

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[22 July 2018 11:15 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Tee times:

13.55: T.Fleetwood (ENG) / Z.Johnson (USA)

14.05: R.McIlroy (NIR) / M.Kuchar (USA)

14.15: A.Noren (SWE) / W.Simpson (USA)

14.25: T.Woods (USA) / F.Molinari (ITA)

14.35: K.Chappell (USA) / K.Kisner (USA)

14.45: X.Schauffele (USA) / J.Spieth (USA)

[22 July 2018 11:21 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Slow going

A lot of putts being left short or breaking late today. It looks like some are struggling to get to grips with the pace of the greens.

No troubles for Jason Day on the fifth, though, as his mid-range putt is right in the centre of the cup. Two birdies and a bogey for the Australian so far. Level par.

[22 July 2018 11:29 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

​Marker makes his mark

With an odd number of players making the cut, Carnoustie's senior assistant Keir McNicoll has been pressed into action as a playing marker.

He's just finished his round with Beau Hossler, who finished with a commendable 73 at +9 for the tournament. But McNicoll had his moment in the sun on the 18th, holing a long putt from off the back of the green, drawing huge cheers from the grandstand. A great moment for him.

[22 July 2018 11:38 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Reed/Fowler underway

A strong group has just got underway, with Patrick Reed and Rickie Fowler making their way down the first.

Fowler is in his traditionally vibrant final day attire (orange, if you were wondering, with Reed in a pink shirt), but for once it is barely noticeable. 

The 29-year-old is sporting a striking Hulk Hogan-esque horseshoe moustache. I'll try and find a picture, for it really needs to be seen to be believed...

[22 July 2018 11:40 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Good start for Reed

The Masters Champion starts his day well. A lovely approach shot left him a very friendly birdie opportunity, and Patrick Reed took it. A par for his playing partner.

[22 July 2018 11:43 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Going into the final day of the 1999 Open at Carnoustie, eventual winner Paul Lawrie was ten shots behind the leader. 

Rory McIlroy finished his third round poorly but is only four shots behind, and he feels he can still win today:

[22 July 2018 11:55 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Golden Langer

He'll soon be 61 but Bernhard Langer played at somewhere near his best yesterday, signing for a 68 to move to -1. 

The two-time Masters winner finished second on two occasions at The Open but never managed to get his name on the Claret Jug. The German is playing with Pat Perez today and the pair have just teed off.

[22 July 2018 11:59 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ambidextrous Australian 

Three birdies in a row for Cameron Davis takes him to level par and makes him the best scorer on the course at three-under for the day (six birdies, three bogeys).

Impressively, the 23-year-old can play off either hand...

[22 July 2018 12:03 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

In the water

Rickie Fowler has to drop out of the water on the third after his approach ends up wet. He plays a nice chip after dropping, and should salvage a bogey. 

Phil Mickelson finds a birdie on the second to get to -2.

[22 July 2018 12:14 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Contrasting fortunes on the fourth

Rickie Fowler has lofted a lovely iron onto the fourth green, using spin to hold the ball at about pin high. A good chance to get the dropped shot back.

A wayward drive from Patrick Reed landed deep in some thick rough and he could only hack up into a bunker short of the green, close to the highest part of the bunker wall. He gets it out well but now faces a tough par putt.