Golf: Molinari Joins Europe’s Ryder Cup Leadership

Italy’s Francesco Molinari has been named as Europe’s fourth vice-captain for September’s Ryder Cup in New York.

The 42-year-old fulfilled the same role at the 2023 event in Rome, won by Europe, and will join his brother Edoardo, Thomas Bjorn and Jose Maria Olazabal in captain Luke Donald’s backroom team when they take on the United States at Bethpage Black from 26-28 September.

Molinari made his Ryder Cup debut alongside his brother in 2010 at Celtic Manor and was part of the last European team to retain the Ryder Cup in the US when he secured a half-point against Tiger Woods at Medinah in 2012 to help ensure a 14½-13½ win.

In 2018, he created history as the first European player to win all five of his matches in a Ryder Cup, as Bjorn’s team claimed a 17½-10½ victory at Le Golf National in Paris.

Earlier that year, he became Italy’s first major champion when he won the Open at Carnoustie.

“I’m very happy to be part of the team again,” said Molinari. “I really enjoyed being part of Luke’s backroom team in Rome and trying to help the players.

“Luke is a very smart, switched on individual. It’s been great to see at first-hand how much he is putting into being the captain. He did the same two years ago and he’s doing it now. He leads by example so that passion trickles down to the players.

“It is going to be a big challenge at Bethpage. Everyone will give their best and I am very happy to be able to give my contribution to the team.”

Donald added: “Francesco knows how to win Ryder Cups, having been on three winning teams, and I think that’s really important for us. We obviously have a tough task ahead of us trying to win away in New York.

“I think he brings a very calm head. He is someone who listens a lot and has good ideas. He speaks up when he feels like he needs to.

“I love his demeanour. He just doesn’t seem to get too flustered. He doesn’t seem to get too high or too low. I think that’s going to be important in a place like New York, an away Ryder Cup. So I love what he brings and I’m very excited that he’s a part of the team again.”

Bbc.com