Francesco Molinari was born on November 8th, 1982 in Turin, Italy. He began playing golf at the age of eight and eventually turned pro in 2004. That year he earnt his place on the European Tour through the Qualifying School despite an awful opening round of 79.

In his rookie season on the European Tour he retained his card by finishing 86th on the money list. The following season he won his first tournament in his native country when he won the Telecom Italia Open. He was the first Italian to win the title since 1980.