Francesco Molinari admitted he was gone with the wind in Georgia as he went from making to watching history at the Masters.
The Open champion joked on US TV that he had made lots more American fans with his late collapse to hand Tiger Woods the Green Jacket .
The Italian took a two-shot lead into the final round but his amazing streak of 49 holes without dropping a shot ended in disaster with a double bogey at No.12 – and then another at 15 - to limp home in tied fifth place.
With the final round action brought forward because of forecasted storms, strong breezes stopped low scoring at Augusta National despite a week of rain.
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And Molinari, who made a string of par-saving putts on the front nine, said: “One of my tendencies when it gets windy, I start using my hands more and lose control a bit. Definitely the first few holes it was like that. In the space of 72 holes you can’t expect to flush every shot.
“It doesn’t change what I do, I don’t change the way I prepare for Majors. I believe the way I prepare for tournaments is the best way.
"I’ll just keep doing the same and hopefully I get a bit more luck next time.”
Molinari held off Woods to win his first Major in Carnoustie last July but this time got a close up view of the American taking his 15. Woods has now leapfrogged the Italian in the world rankings.
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“It’s nice to see his story, his comeback and to be a witness in the first person,” said the world No.7. “The way he was playing last year, I think we all knew it was coming sooner or later.
“Maybe next time would have been better for me, but it was nice to be out with him. I think I found some new fans today with two double bogeys.”
Meanwhile US President Donald Trump is to award superstar Tiger Woods with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Donald Trump to award Tiger Woods with Presidential Medal of Freedom
Woods won his fifth Masters title at Augusta with many saying it's the greatest sporting comeback ever .
A series on back problems and well publicised personal issues meant it was his first win at the tournament for 14 years.
He tweeted: "Spoke to @TigerWoods to congratulate him on the great victory he had in yesterday's @TheMasters, & to inform him that because of his incredible Success & Comeback in Sports (Golf) and, more importantly, LIFE, I will be presenting him with the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM!"
