Francesco Molinari is a name that resonates with golf enthusiasts around the world. An Italian professional golfer with a career that spans over two decades, Molinari has established himself as one of the sport’s most consistent and accomplished players.
With a Major title, multiple European Tour wins, and a significant presence in Ryder Cup history, Molinari’s journey from a promising amateur to a top-tier professional golfer is a story of dedication, skill, and passion for the game.
Here you can follow Francesco Molinari’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Francesco Molinari’s Biography
| Full Name | Francesco Molinari |
| Nickname | “Chicco” |
| Birth Date | November 8, 1982 |
| Height | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Birthplace | Turin, Italy |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Current Net Worth | $20 Million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife/Girlfriend | Valentina Molinari |
| Instagram Profile | @chiccogolf |
Early Career
Francesco Molinari’s early career is marked by steady growth, significant achievements, and a strong foundation in golf. Born on November 8, 1982, in Turin, Italy, he developed a passion for golf at a young age.
He honed his skills at Circolo Golf Torino and competed in amateur tournaments, winning the Italian Amateur Stroke Play Championship twice and the Italian Match Play Championship before turning professional in 2004.
Molinari’s professional journey began with his debut on the European Tour in 2005. Although he finished 86th in his rookie season, he quickly made an impact by winning the Telecom Italia Open in 2006, becoming the first Italian to win the event since 1980. This victory signaled his potential and helped him finish 38th on the Order of Merit that year.
Between 2007 and 2009, Molinari demonstrated consistent improvement, achieving numerous top-10 finishes and breaking into the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking. A highlight of this period was leading Italy to its first-ever World Cup victory at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in 2009 alongside his brother Edoardo.
Molinari’s early career laid a solid foundation for his later success, characterized by precision, consistency, and strategic play. These qualities eventually propelled him to major victories and Ryder Cup glory in subsequent years.
Professional Career
Francesco Molinari’s professional career is a remarkable journey of growth, perseverance, and success. He turned professional in 2004 after a stellar amateur career and quickly made his mark on the European Tour.
In 2005, he earned his European Tour card and began competing at the highest level. His breakthrough came in 2006 when he won the Italian Open, becoming the first Italian to win the event since 1980. This victory established him as a rising star in European golf, and over the next few years, he consistently delivered strong performances, including twenty top-10 finishes between 2007 and 2009. A major highlight during this period was his partnership with his brother Edoardo in 2009, when they led Italy to its first-ever World Cup victory.
Molinari’s career continued to flourish in the following years. In 2010, he secured one of his most significant early wins at the WGC-HSBC Champions, where he defeated then-world number one Lee Westwood by one stroke. That same year, he made his Ryder Cup debut for Team Europe, contributing to their victory.
In 2012, he added another title to his resume by winning the Open de España and played a key role in Europe’s dramatic Ryder Cup win at Medinah, famously halving his singles match against Tiger Woods to seal the victory.
The peak of Molinari’s career came in 2018, a year that solidified his place among golf’s elite. He won the BMW PGA Championship, his first Rolex Series event, and followed it up with a historic victory at The Open Championship at Carnoustie.
By doing so, he became the first Italian golfer to win a major championship. That same year, he made history at the Ryder Cup by becoming the first European player to achieve a perfect 5-0-0 record in matches, helping Team Europe reclaim the trophy. His incredible performances earned him widespread recognition and cemented his legacy.
In early 2019, Molinari continued his success by winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational with an impressive final round. Although he has not added more wins since then, he remains a respected figure in professional golf.
Competing on both the European and PGA Tours, Molinari has inspired a new generation of golfers with his precision, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure. His career stands as a testament to hard work and determination, making him one of Italy’s most celebrated athletes.
Wife
Francesco Molinari is married to Valentina Molinari. The couple married in 2007 in their native Italy and later moved to England before eventually settling in Los Angeles during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Valentina holds an MBA from the European Business School in London and previously traveled extensively with Francesco to support his golf career. However, after having their two children, Tommaso and Emma, her travel to tournaments became less frequent.
Valentina has played a crucial role in Francesco’s success, with him often crediting her unwavering support. After his victory at the 2018 Open Championship, Francesco publicly acknowledged her importance, saying, “Big credit to my wife who watches me all the time. I don’t know how she does it.” Despite her reduced presence at events due to family commitments, the couple stays connected through technology when apart.
In their Los Angeles home, Valentina was deeply involved in designing a space that blends comfort and functionality for their family. The home reflects their shared focus on creating a balanced life beyond golf while raising their children.
Valentina’s contributions have been pivotal not only to Francesco’s professional achievements but also to maintaining a strong family foundation.
Francesco Molinari’s Net Worth Details
Francesco Molinari’s net worth is estimated to be $20 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Official Payout | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $566,848 | $566,848 |
| 2022 | $816,461 | $816,461 |
| 2021 | $996,997 | $996,997 |
| 2020 | $183,740 | $183,740 |
| 2019 | $3,467,000 | $3,467,000 |
| 2018 | $5,065,842 | $5,200,000 |
| 2017 | $2,870,000 | $3,020,000 |
| 2016 | $1,083,000 | $1,083,000 |
| 2015 | $997,389 | $997,389 |
| 2014 | $847,974 | $1,040,000 |
| 2013 | $245,463 | $245,463 |
| 2012 | $198,961 | $198,961 |
| 2011 | $158,387 | $194,387 |
| 2009 | $358,196 | $358,196 |
| 2008 | $304,368 | $1,154,000 |
| 2007 | N/A | $29,000 |
Endorsements
Francesco Molinari has built a strong portfolio of endorsements throughout his career, partnering with some of the most prominent brands in golf and beyond. His sponsorship deals have significantly contributed to his income, with endorsements estimated to bring in around $2 million annually as of 2025.
Over the years, Molinari has been associated with major companies such as Nike Golf, Callaway, and Rolex. These partnerships have included equipment deals, advertising campaigns, and public appearances, showcasing his marketability as a global athlete.
In 2019, Molinari signed a multiyear endorsement deal with Callaway, switching all 14 clubs in his bag to their equipment. This partnership followed his standout 2018 season, during which he won The Open Championship and played a pivotal role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory.
He also rejoined Bettinardi Golf in 2023 for a putter deal, further solidifying his connection with high-performance golf equipment brands. Additionally, Molinari has supported charitable causes through endorsements, such as his collaboration with Borne, a medical research charity.
Career Stats
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Professional Wins | 10 (3 PGA Tour, 6 European Tour, 1 World Golf Championship) |
| Major Championships | 1 (The Open Championship, 2018) |
| European Tour Wins | 6 (including the BMW PGA Championship and Italian Open twice) |
| PGA Tour Wins | 3 (including the Arnold Palmer Invitational and Quicken Loans National) |
| World Golf Championships | 1 (WGC-HSBC Champions, 2010) |
| Best Major Finishes | Winner: The Open (2018), T2: PGA Championship (2017), T5: Masters (2019) |
| Ryder Cup Record | 6 points (3 appearances: 2010, 2012, 2018; perfect 5-0-0 record in 2018) |
| Top-10 Major Finishes | 6 |
| Career Earnings | $18.4 million+ on the PGA Tour |
| Race to Dubai Title | Winner (2018) |
| Official World Golf Ranking | Career-high: No. 6 (July 2018) |
FAQs
1. Who is Francesco Molinari?
Francesco Molinari is a professional golfer from Turin, Italy, known for being the first Italian to win a major championship, The Open in 2018. He has also won multiple titles on the European Tour and PGA Tour and played a pivotal role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victories.
2. What are Francesco Molinari’s career achievements?
Molinari has 10 professional wins, including The Open Championship (2018), three PGA Tour titles, six European Tour victories, and one World Golf Championship. He also became the first European to go 5-0-0 in a Ryder Cup during Europe’s 2018 victory.
3. What is Francesco Molinari’s net worth?
Francesco Molinari’s net worth is estimated at $20–$25 million. This includes earnings from tournament prizes, endorsements with brands like Callaway and Nike Golf, and other sponsorship deals.
4. What is Francesco Molinari’s Ryder Cup record?
Molinari has competed in three Ryder Cups (2010, 2012, 2018). He made history in 2018 by becoming the first European player to win all five of his matches, contributing significantly to Europe’s victory.
5. Who are Francesco Molinari’s family members?
Molinari is married to Valentina, and they have two children, Tommaso and Emma. His older brother, Edoardo Molinari, is also a professional golfer who has won on the European Tour and partnered with Francesco to win the 2009 World Cup for Italy.
6. What are Francesco Molinari’s career earnings?
Molinari’s career earnings exceed $19 million from official tournaments alone. His most profitable year was 2018 when he earned over $5 million in prize money thanks to victories like The Open Championship and the BMW PGA Championship.
7. What equipment does Francesco Molinari use?
Molinari has an endorsement deal with Callaway Golf and uses their clubs, including the Epic Flash Sub Zero driver and Chrome Soft X golf ball. He also has a putter deal with Bettinardi Golf as of 2023.
8. What is Francesco Molinari’s playing style?
Molinari is known for his precision and consistency on the course. His strategic approach and exceptional short game have been key to his success, particularly during high-pressure situations like major championships and team events.
9. What are Francesco Molinari’s personal interests?
Outside of golf, Molinari is a massive soccer fan who supports Inter Milan and West Ham United. He also enjoys snowboarding and speaks three languages: Italian, English, and Spanish.
10. What role did Francesco Molinari play in Italian golf history?
Molinari is considered the greatest Italian golfer of all time. He surpassed Costantino Rocca’s record for European Tour wins and became Italy’s first major champion with his victory at The Open in 2018, inspiring a new generation of golfers in his homeland.
