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Francesco Molinari of Italy (R) and Tiger Woods of the United States on the 17th tee during the final round of the 147th Open Championship at Carnoustie Golf Club on July 22, 2018 in Carnoustie, Scotland. Harry How/Getty Images

Francesco Molinari captured his first major Sunday, winning the British Open in a crowded and star-studded field at Carnoustie, Scotland.

Molinari, who became the first Italian to win a major, shot a bogey-free, 2-under 69 to finish at 8-under 276 and outlasting Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Xander Schauffele and Kevin Kisner, who finished in a tie for second place and two shots behind the champion.

But the Open will probably be remembered for the encouraging overall performance from Tiger Woods, who on Sunday took the lead at a major for the first time since 2009. He finished tied for sixth and finished at 5-under 279.

Woods, who was the first to congratulate Molinari, was strong on the front nine, finishing 2 under. On the back nine, the 42-year-old hit two poor tee shots on the 11th and 12th hole, which he was never able to overcome.

"A little ticked off at myself for sure," Woods said. "I had a chance starting that back nine to do something, and I didn't do it."

On the final hole, a tee shot was interrupted by shouts from a fan that clearly got under Woods' skin. He needed a birdie as he was trailing co-leaders Molinari and Schauffel by two strokes. Woods could be overheard saying, "No. What are you doing?"

But it was an overall impressive performance by Woods, who had looked sharp on Saturday, as well. After shooting a 71 on Thursday and Friday, he shot a 5-under 66 in the third round and even completed a 40-foot birdie on No. 9.

Woods acknowledged on Saturday that he wasn't sure if he would ever have a chance to win another major and was pleased with his performance.

“It’s been a few years since I’ve felt like this,” Woods said.

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