Francesco Molinari has been named as one of Luke Donald’s vice-captains for a third consecutive Ryder Cup.
The 43-year-old Italian joins his brother, Edoardo, in European captain Donald’s backroom team for next year’s event at Adare Manor in Ireland.
Both Molinaris were part of Donald’s successful set-ups at the 2023 and 2025 matches at Marco Simone and Bethpage Black respectively.
Molinari said: “I was very pleased when Luke asked me. I’ve had two great experiences in Rome and New York, two very different ones, but both of them memorable and some of the best weeks of my life. So, it was an easy, straightforward decision. Anytime you get asked to be involved, there’s only one possible answer and I can’t wait to be there again.”
Molinari, who won The Open Championship at Carnoustie in 2018, has strong Ryder Cup pedigree, having also featured in three victorious teams as a player. In 2012, he secured the half-point against Tiger Woods that completed Europe’s famous comeback victory over the United States at Medinah, while in 2018 he won all five of his matches in Paris, partnering with Tommy Fleetwood for four of those points to create a partnership that was later branded ‘Team Moliwood’.
Donald said: “I’m really excited to have Francesco back on board. He has been an integral part of the backroom team as a vice captain the last two times I’ve been captain. He is very quiet, very measured, and he really thinks about his role and how he can create the right atmosphere and the right culture that we’ve had for the last couple of Ryder Cups.
“I think continuity also has a special part to play. The players know what Francesco brings – some real excellence and history when it comes to the Ryder Cup. He is the only player to win five matches, which he did in Paris, and he is a familiar face.
“People know how to talk to him, and he knows how to talk to the players as well. He brings great qualities to the backroom team. I think we have a great working relationship. We have a great friendship off and on the golf course, and that’s important. You want to be able to feel like you can pick up the phone anytime and chat through things.”
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