Golf Jun 30, 2026

Ryder Cup: Former Open champion Francesco Molinari appointed as vice captain for Team Europe for third time

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Ryder Cup: Former Open champion Francesco Molinari appointed as vice captain for Team Europe for third time

Former Open champion Francesco Molinari has been named as one of Luke Donald's vice-captains for a third consecutive Ryder Cup.

The Italian joins his brother, Edoardo, in 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.

Molinari 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. Anytime you get asked to be involved, there's only one possible answer and I can't wait to be there again."

Molinari, 43, who won the Open at Carnoustie in 2018, has strong Ryder Cup pedigree, having also featured in three victorious teams as a player.

In 2012, he secured the half-point against Tiger Woods that completed Europe's famous comeback victory over the United States at Medinah, while in 2018 he won all five of his matches in Paris.

He is the second of Donald's vice-captains to be confirmed.

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."

Who will win the KPMG Women's PGA Championship? Watch throughout the week live on Your Site. Live coverage begins on Thursday from 4pm on Your Site+ and 5pm on Your Site Golf. or .

Tags:

golf news

Share this article

Related Posts

Irish Open: Jon Rahm announces return to DP World Tour event at Doonbeg alongside Ryder Cup team-mates

Irish Open: Jon Rahm announces return to DP World Tour event at Doonbeg alongside Ryder Cup team-mates

Jon Rahm has been announced as part of the field for the Irish Open at Doonbeg, live on Your Site Golf from September 10-13.Rahm paid all of his outst...

Phil Mickelson refutes allegations of inappropriate behaviour in statement released by his representatives

Phil Mickelson refutes allegations of inappropriate behaviour in statement released by his representatives

Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson's representatives have described allegations of inappropriate behaviour levelled at him as an "anonymously sour...

Brad Dalke: YouTuber challenging on DP World Tour debut as he sits two shots off lead at BMW International Open

Brad Dalke: YouTuber challenging on DP World Tour debut as he sits two shots off lead at BMW International Open

YouTube golfer Brad Dalke finds himself challenging for the title on his DP World Tour debut at the BMW International Open, sitting two shots off the...

PGA Tour: Zach Johnson one shot off John Deere Classic lead with England's Matt Wallace in contention after first round

PGA Tour: Zach Johnson one shot off John Deere Classic lead with England's Matt Wallace in contention after first round

Zach Johnson is skipping three majors for the John Deere Classic, and the Iowa native made the decision pay off on Thursday with an eagle-birdie finis...

Who has won The Masters? Year-by-year winners of the Green Jacket and every past major victory at Augusta National

Who has won The Masters? Year-by-year winners of the Green Jacket and every past major victory at Augusta National

Who has won The Masters? Which players have enjoyed the most success at Augusta National? We look at the previous winners of the opening major of the...

Tiger Woods needs accountability for 'self-inflicted' struggles and latest DUI car crash, suggests Sir Nick Faldo

Tiger Woods needs accountability for 'self-inflicted' struggles and latest DUI car crash, suggests Sir Nick Faldo

Sir Nick Faldo has called on Tiger Woods to be made accountable for his ‘self-inflicted’ actions, following his decision to step away from the sport a...