Francesco Molinari named Team Europe vice-captain

Francesco Molinari is the latest to join Luke Donald’s team, with the Italian joining his brother as a Team Europe vice-captain.

Molinari was announced as the fifth and final vice-captain today, joining Edoardo Molinari, Thomas Bjørn, Nicolas Colsaerts and José María Olazábal in Donald’s backroom team for the match in Italy next month.

The 40-year-old has made three appearances as a player in the biennial match, being on the winning team all three times.

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Now, he’ll be taking a different role in the event in his home country, with the Italian explaining his pride at being selected.

“I am very proud to be part of Luke’s team. I started the year hoping to be there as a player, but it is still a great honour to be there as a vice-captain,” said the 2018 Open champion.

“I got a phone call from Luke asking if I was interested and obviously it was a clear answer from me.”

🚨 VICE CAPTAIN 🚨

We're delighted to welcome @F_Molinari as @LukeDonald's fifth Vice Captain. pic.twitter.com/ezS57dvlTk

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) August 16, 2023

The six-time DP World Tour winner is hoping that his experience in the competition can help give valuable perspective on strategy in Rome.

“He is assembling a really good team of people. A lot of them are close to me in different ways. We’ve all shared the stage together already in some form and that helps when it comes to decision time and putting Luke and the players in the best conditions possible to perform at their best.

“The coolest moment I have had in the Ryder Cup was making my debut alongside Edoardo in Wales and experiencing for the first time what it meant to be part of the European Team. It is super special to be there with him again in Rome.

“It is a proud moment any time you get to put on the shirt with the European badge on it. It’s a Ryder Cup which is particularly close to my heart being played in Rome so I will do whatever I can to help Luke and the team and hopefully bring the trophy back to Europe.”

"I will do whatever I can to help Luke and the team and bring the trophy back to Europe.”@F_Molinari is ready to win back the Ryder Cup 🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/R4XPeIADcu

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) August 16, 2023

Speaking on the announcement, Luke Donald said Molinari’s experience as a player was a key factor in selecting him as part of the team.

In 2018, Molinari became the first European player to win five points from five in the competition, forming an iconic partnership with Tommy Fleetwood.

“I chose Francesco because he has a lot of experience in Ryder Cups and he is a major winner,” said Donald.

“He has a tremendous individual career, but he is also Italian. I wanted him there no matter what, whether it was playing or as a vice-captain. With his brother there too, I think it is going to be pretty special, having both Edoardo and Francesco on my team representing Team Europe but also representing Italy.

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“Francesco is a hero in Italy. He has so much respect from the Italians for what he has done for the game of golf. Certainly that respect is also there from me too and I couldn’t be happier to round out my vice-captains with him.”

On the playing side of things, Donald has three of his players confirmed ahead of the contest against the USA.

Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland are all guaranteed a place thanks to their placing on each points list.

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor