European golf’s favorite son, Francesco Molinari, was just named Ryder Cup vice captain for the next biennial event. The international competition will be held at Bethpage Black in New York from September 26-28. This is a huge comeback for Molinari. In 2018, he secured a critical half point against Tiger Woods en route to Europe’s most recent Ryder Cup triumph on U.S. turf. His experience will help to shepherd the team through this difficult adventure. His calm demeanor will bring them the steady hand that they require.
Molinari joins an esteemed group of vice captains that includes his brother, Edoardo Molinari, Thomas Bjørn, and José María Olazábal. Under the leadership of Luke Donald, the team aims to replicate their recent success, having won the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone outside Rome in 2023. Donald emphasized the importance of Molinari’s experience, stating, “He knows how to win Ryder Cups, having been on three winning teams, and I think that’s really important for us.”
The Italian golfer returned to the helm in 2018, when he became the first European player to win all five of his matches in the Ryder Cup. In the same year, he won the British Open in Carnoustie. His historic victory at Carnoustie made him Italy’s first major champion.
Molinari reflected on his previous interactions. He couldn’t wait to impart all of his experiences going against Woods at Medinah in 2012 onto this year’s squad. He stated, “Medinah still has a special place in my memories, and in my heart, and I would be really happy and really proud to see this generation of players complete something like that.”
Donald praised Molinari’s composure under pressure, saying, “I think he brings a very calm head. He is someone who listens a lot and has good ideas. He speaks up when he feels like he needs to. I love his demeanour. He just doesn’t seem to get too flustered.” It’s this steadying presence that the team has come to depend on. Molinari warns that it’s especially important given their preparations for a daunting test ahead at Bethpage.
The Ryder Cup offers a rare chance for Europe to flex their muscle on an away turf. With Molinari’s wealth of experience and strategic mindset, the team hopes to chart a confident course through the challenges that lie ahead.
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