Such was the measure of Francesco Molinari’s surprise to be in the Open champion’s chair with the Claret Jug by his side, the plane he had booked to return to London was already boarding at Edinburgh airport.

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

Italy’s Francesco Molinari recovered from a poor start to retain the lead on the second day of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth on Friday.