Francesco Molinari was happy to be reaping the rewards of hard work as he put himself into contention to win a second Claret Jug over the weekend at The 154th Open.
It is almost eight years since the Italian won the Claret Jug at Carnoustie during a season that also saw him scoop his first PGA TOUR title, become the first European to win all five of his matches at the Ryder Cup and reach a career-high fifth in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Now, in his 18th appearance at The Open, the 43-year-old is in the mix again on the major stage at Royal Birkdale after he mixed three birdies with two bogeys to reach four under - four shots adrift of clubhouse leader Lucas Herbert.
Competing solely on the DP World Tour this year, Molinari has had some mixed results but came into this week on the back of a top-20 finish at the Genesis Scottish Open.
"I've had some decent weeks which helped with my confidence a little," said Molinari, who has also had top tens in Dubai and India this season.
"Just seeing some good signs in my game [too].
"I saw Phil Kenyon a few weeks ago to help me out with my putting. That was, or has probably been, the weak point at the start of the year, and it's working a little bit
better, so that always helps."
Despite some dissapointment at missed putts for birdie at the 16th and par at the 18th, Molinari was pleased with how he coped in the tougher afternoon conditions on day two when the wind picked up over the sun-baked Southport venue.
Despite some dissapointment at missed putts for birdie at the 16th and par at the 18th, he is pleased with how he adjusted to what was a different test from his first round.
"It was challenging to see really completely a different golf course from what we had yesterday and what we had in the practice rounds with the different wind directions.
"A few doubts on the tees, especially on which club to hit. But I think I managed around well. Could have holed a couple more putts maybe at the end, but obviously anything under par around here is a good round."
While experience will likely serve him well over the final two rounds, Molinari knows that it can only take him so far.
"Especially in these conditions you need to execute the shots," he added.
"Experience helps with a lot of things, but not when you're standing over the ball in a crosswind on one of these holes.
"It helps a little with decision-making, but as I say, it's about executing the shots, and
there aren't many easy shots out there."
