Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has confirmed that Edoardo Molinari will return for a third stint as vice-captain of the European team at next year’s competition in Ireland.
Donald will be aiming to become the first Ryder Cup captain to win the biennial event three times in a row and has confirmed former world number one Molinari will be part of the backroom team for next September’s tournament at Adare Manor.
Mr. Molinari will once again provide statistical support to Donald and Team Europe through his statistical analysis model, which was instrumental in the 16.5-11.5 win at Rome in 2023 and the historic 15-13 victory away at Bethpage Black last September.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Luke Donald has revealed to Sky Sports how he took on his third stint as Team Europe’s Ryder Cup captain.
“Edoardo (Molinari) was my rock,” Donald said. “He has made a huge difference to our team. He has been invaluable from a statistical analysis standpoint, helping me with the qualification system and navigating the ever-changing world of golf.
“He’s a very solid mind. I always know where I stand with him and he gives me great advice. The appointment of a vice-captain is important so it’s key to have his expertise again. He’s a key element of our behind-the-scenes team.”
Luke Donald returns Edoardo Molinari for third stint as Ryder Cup vice-captain
“He’s a numbers guy, and he’s always looking at statistics and looking at the golf course to see how we can get an edge, how we can set things up to give us a little bit more control, a little bit more of an edge as the home team.”
Molinari was a Team Europe winner as a Celtic Manor player in 2010 and has since played consecutively as vice-captain, with the Italian relishing the opportunity to return to support Donald in the Ryder Cup Centenary Tournament.
“When Luke (Donald) called me and asked if I could help again, it was a pretty easy decision,” Molinari said. “Obviously I was very happy. It’s great to be involved in the Ryder Cup in any role at any time and I can’t wait to get to Adare Manor soon.”
“Luke is an unbelievable captain. He is very well-liked by all the players. The great thing about him is that he leads by example. He really puts a lot of effort and thought into this process.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Rory McIlroy says Europe will benefit from having Luke Donald as Ryder Cup captain for the third consecutive year
“He (Donald) tries to make all the players feel very comfortable when he’s on the team. At the same time, he’s very motivated to win. He’s really willing to try any new paths and new ideas and see what works. He’s an incredibly hard worker. The players see his drive and really follow him.”
Donald used Thomas Bjorn, Jose María Olazabal and Francesco Molinari in his European backroom squad for both previous tournaments, and plans to name further vice-captains for next year’s Ryder Cup.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Take a look at how Team Europe used virtual reality to prepare for the Ryder Cup and the atmosphere the team will face.
What about Team USA?
Tiger Woods’ decision to withdraw from Ryder Cup consideration leaves Team USA facing questions about who will lead the team to next year’s Adair Manor tournament.
Woods was initially considered the favorite to replace Keegan Bradley at the Centennial Tournament in Ireland, and the former world No. 1 had been in talks with the PGA of America over the role for months before the March 27 car crash.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
In a speech after the second round of The Players, former USA Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley indicated he would be open to returning to the role in the future.
The 15-time champion was charged with driving under the influence and announced on March 31 that he would take a period of time away from golf to focus on his health, but the next day the PGA confirmed that Woods’ decision also ended his chances of becoming Team USA’s next captain.
Webb Simpson, Brant Snedeker and Jim Furyk are Bradley’s co-captains at Bethpage Black and could be candidates for captaincy in 2027, with Stewart Cink and Justin Leonard also options.
Watch the next two Ryder Cups live exclusively on Sky Sports, including the 2027 edition at Adare Manor in Ireland. Stream DP World Tour and more without a contract.
