Ryder Cup captaincy - Luke Donald urged to take 'very attractive proposition'
Molinari opens up on where things stand with Europe’s big question for 2027 match
Francesco Molinari is hoping Luke Donald will be swayed by a “very attractive proposition” as he mulls over the chance to create history by becoming the first Ryder Cup captain to mastermind a hat-trick of wins in the biennial event.
Donald held talks this week in Dubai with Guy Kinnings, the DP World Tour CEO, about the chance to stay at the helm for Europe at Adare Manor in 2027 after already landing wins over the Americans in Rome and New York.
Donald’s withdrawal from the Hero Dubai Desert Classic due to illness before teeing off in the opening round at Emirates Golf Club on Thursday meant there was no opportunity for him to shed any light on the situation.
Instead, it was left to Molinari, one of his trusty assistants, to talk about what he knew about where it stands with Donald and also his own position should the Englishman decide that he’s given enough of his time over the last four years.
Speaking after he’d set the pace with a splendid seven-under-par 65 in breezy conditions in the UAE, Molinari said: “Obviously, we are all waiting to hear from Luke. He's earned the right to take his time and make the decision.
‘Not much longer to know something’
“I think we were all honestly wishing for him to come back one more time, all the players and basically all the team that's been working with him the last four years. So let's see what happens.”
Has he actually asked Donald directly about where he stands? “We speak regularly,” admitted the 2018 Open champion, “but I haven't asked him anything like that. He's a little closer to Edoardo (Francesco’s brother), but I don't know if he's had those chats with Edoardo. I don't think we're going to wait much longer to know something.”
Bernard Gallacher was the last European captain to do a three-match stint, with Tony Jacklin having been a four-time skipper before him, but no Ryder Cup captain has ever won three contests in a row.
“Yeah, I think that's definitely a very attractive proposition,” admitted Molinari. “In the locker room, it's by far the best team environment I've seen since I've been involved in 2010. I think that's the biggest thing pulling Luke back one more time.
“Everyone who was there (at Marco Simone and Bethpage Black) would love him to do it one more time. But, obviously, it's up to him and [wife] Diane and the family. The way he's been doing it the last few years, it's taken a lot of time. Let's see.”
‘I’d never turn it down if asked’
If Donald decides it’s time to step aside, it is widely believed that Molinari would be the man to take over, especially with Justin Rose having indicated that he wants to stay involved in a playing role in County Limerick before eventually getting his deserved opportunity to be captain.
“I only crave food, really,” joked the Italian in reply to being asked if it was a role he craved. “Obviously, I'd never say no. I'd never turn it down if I'm asked. I'd love to do it. But, if it doesn't happen, there's no issue with me with that.”
Molinari, who has slipped to 418th in the world rankings after going nearly eight years without a win, signed for eight birdies - he leads by two shots from Swede Mikael Lindberg - after reuniting with his old coach, Denis Pugh.
“That's been really nice,” he admitted. “He doesn't travel to tournaments anymore, but I see him just a day a month at home, and he's always been great and sort of simplifying stuff for me and clearing stuff out of my mind that doesn't need to be there. Yeah, that's been the biggest help.”
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