Luke Donald has confirmed Francesco Molinari will join his brother Edoardo as a vice-captain for a third consecutive Ryder Cup. The Italian joins European skipper Donald's backroom team for next year's event at Adare Manor in Limerick, Ireland.
Both Molinaris were part of Donald's successful set-ups at the 2023 and 2025 competitions at Marco Simone and Bethpage Black, respectively. The trio will now aim to guide Europe to a third consecutive win against the United States when the Ryder Cup celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Molinari's Ryder Cup pedigree
Molinari has strong Ryder Cup pedigree, having also featured in three victorious teams as a player. He 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. I was honoured and pleased when Luke phoned me. We’ve been together as a team for a while now, so it was a very easy conversation to have."
Donald praises continuity
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."
"It was a pretty easy decision for me. He brings a wealth of experience, a wealth of being successful at the Ryder Cup, and I just love his personality."
"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."
Donald added: "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."
