Luke Donald appoints latest Ryder Cup vice captain for centenary edition
Molinari brothers set to assist Englisman once again in his bid to create history in Adare Manor match
The Molinari brothers are back to help Luke Donald in his bid to create history as the first Ryder Cup captain to record a hat-trick of victories.
The Englishman had already announced that Edoardo would be part of his backroom team once again for next year’s centenary edition at Adare Manor in County Limerick.
Now Francesco has been confirmed as well by Donald, meaning the siblings will be vice captains for the third match in a row against the Americans.
Francesco’s re-appointment was announced on the eve of the DS Automobiles 83° Open d'Italia at Circolo Golf Torino, where both Molinaris are in the field along with their captain.
“I was very pleased when Luke asked me,” admitted Francesco, the 2018 Open champion. 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. Anytime you get asked to be involved, there's only one possible answer, and I can't wait to be there again.
“I think Ireland is going to be very special. Last time it was there, at The K Club (in 2006), I watched it on TV, but I wasn't really involved. So it's something I've heard a lot about, the Irish fans and the whole Irish atmosphere, and I can't wait to experience it myself.”
Donald, who came out on top against Zach Johnson in Rome then Keegan Bradley in New York, will face a team led by Jim Furyk on this occasion.
‘I just love his personality’
“I'm really excited to have Francesco back on board,” he said. “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.
“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.”
Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed is in this week’s DP World Tour field, which also includes Joaquin Niemann, who overcame a two-shot penalty for club throwing to finish in the top ten in the US Open at Shinnecock Hills on Sunday. A total of 11 Scots are teeing up in Turin.
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