History was made on the European Tour last week as Francesco Molinari became the first home player to win the Italian Open on two occasions. The Italian fired a closing 65 to beat Ryder Cup star Danny Willett by one in a tense final-day battle.

Molinari – a former Ryder Cup player himself – couldn’t have asked for a better start; an eagle-3 on the first followed by a birdie at the second opened up a quick two-shot advantage over the Englishman. Standing on the 13th tee, Molinari was four ahead and looked destined for victory. We all know how quickly things can change in the game of golf, and it only took two holes for Willett to close the gap to one with four holes to play. Despite some nervy moments from both players over the closing stretch, they both parred the remaining four holes to see Molinari pick up his fourth European Tour victory.

It was a good week for some of Europe’s other Ryder Cup jewels too, as Cabrera-Bello finished T12, Fitzpatrick ended the week in T15, whilst Kaymer, Sullivan and Wood all finished in T20. Finding form at just the right time? Let’s hope so!

What equipment did Molinari use?

• Driver – Nike Vapor Fly (10.5 degrees)
• Fairway wood – Nike Vapor Fly (13 degrees)
• Hybrid – Nike Vapor Fly (17 degrees)
• Irons – Nike Vapor Pro Combo (4 iron); Nike Vapor Pro (5-PW)
• Wedges – Nike Engage (52, 56 & 60)
• Putter – Nike Method

Whether you were for or against golf’s inclusion in the Olympics, it was fitting that two of the highest-ranked players battled it out come Sunday’s finale.

Much was made as to whether golf deserved a place at this year’s Games, not made any easier by the numerous dropouts from some of the world’s best and most iconic golfers. Two guys who didn’t let anything prevent them from their quest for Olympic Gold were Great Britain’s Justin Rose and Sweden’s Henrik Stenson.

The talented duo went to head-to-head on, yet another, final-day titanic battle. Stenson has been playing some sublime golf of late - none more so than his Open Championship heroics last month - but found himself one shot back heading into the closing 18. Arguably playing the better golf down the stretch, Stenson clawed his way back to level with Rose when standing on the 72nd tee. With a fascinating play-off looking likely, Rose went on to birdie the last for a two-shot victory following the Swede’s three-putt bogey.

Rose’s post-round interview said it all as he asserted that this was the best tournament he has ever won – and he’s a Major champion. Let’s hope this passion is infectious to others across tours and more of the world’s elite choose to take part in four years’ time.

What equipment did Rose use for Gold?

• Driver – TaylorMade M2 (8.5 loft)
• Fairway wood – TaylorMade M2 (15 loft)
• Irons – TaylorMade Psi Tour (3-iron); TaylorMade Tour Preferred MB (4-PW)
• Wedges – TaylorMade Tour Preferred EF (52, 56 & 60)
• Putter – TaylorMade Ghost
• Ball – TaylorMade Tour Preferred X