SOUTHPORT, England — Francesco Molinari sank a 96-foot birdie putt on the third hole at Royal Birkdale on Thursday. The shot, captured by NBC Sports, traveled across an undulating green, slammed into the cup, and sent the crowd into a roar. Molinari, 43, now sits two shots off the lead after the first round of the 2026 Open Championship. It was one of the longest putts in the tournament’s history.
“I just wanted to give it a chance,” Molinari told European Tour reporters. “When it went in, I knew something special was happening.”
The putt was a microcosm of his round. Molinari shot a 68, positioning himself behind the leader. The ANSA news agency reported his “swing is back in form.” He stood tied for third, two strokes back.
Molinari’s recent years have been brutal. Injuries and swing changes derailed his career. He missed cuts. He lost his card. This Open marks a clear resurgence. He relishes the opportunity.
“I’m relishing the chance to compete for a second Claret Jug,” he said, per the European Tour article. His first came at Muirfield in 2013.
Birkdale holds deep personal meaning. Molinari has said he first dreamed of winning The Open here as a child. “Winning at Birkdale would be even more special than Muirfield,” he stated. The 96-foot putt channels that early belief.
The leaderboard is stacked. Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and others lurk. Molinari’s strategy: stay patient. The ANSA report noted his “form slump” has ended. His swing mechanics are sound.
Social media exploded. Clips of the putt were shared millions of times. NBC Sports comments and European Tour forums buzzed. Headlines read “Molinari drills 96-foot birdie putt.” Fans called it “the shot of the decade.”
Statistically, the putt is rare. Only a handful of putts over 90 feet have been holed in Open history. The table below compares notable long putts at the championship:
| Player | Year | Course | Distance (ft) | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Francesco Molinari | 2026 | Royal Birkdale | 96 | Birdie, Round 1 |
| Phil Mickelson | 2013 | Muirfield | 85 | Birdie, Final Round |
| Ernie Els | 2012 | Royal Lytham | 90 | Eagle, Round 3 |
| Tom Watson | 2009 | Turnberry | 78 | Birdie, Round 4 |
Molinari’s putt is not just a highlight. It is a potential pivot in his career. He could join golf’s elite—players with multiple Claret Jugs. The next three rounds will define his legacy.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How long was Francesco Molinari’s putt at Royal Birkdale?
- A: Molinari sank a 96-foot birdie putt on the third hole during the first round of the 2026 Open Championship.
- Q: What did Francesco Molinari say after the 96-foot putt?
- A: He told European Tour reporters: ‘I just wanted to give it a chance. When it went in, I knew something special was happening.’
- Q: Where does Molinari stand after the first round?
- A: He shot a 68 and sits tied for third, two shots off the lead.
- Q: Why is this Open especially meaningful for Molinari?
- A: Royal Birkdale is where he first dreamed of winning The Open as a child. He said winning there would be ‘even more special than Muirfield,’ where he won his first Claret Jug in 2013.
- Q: Has Molinari struggled in recent years?
- A: Yes. Injuries and swing changes led to missed cuts and losing his tour card. This Open marks a clear resurgence in form.
Extended Reading
The European Tour article, “Francesco Molinari relishing shot at a second Claret Jug at Birkdale,” details his mindset. The ANSA report confirms his two-shot deficit. NBC Sports footage provides the visual record.