Donald confirms ‘rock of support’ to return as Ryder Cup vice-captain

Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has confirmed Edoardo Molinari will return for a third stint as a Team Europe vice-captain at next year’s contest in Ireland.

Donald will attempt to become the first Ryder Cup captain in history to win three consecutive editions of the biennial contest, with the former world No 1 confirming Molinari will be part of his backroom team at Adare Manor next September.

Molinari will once again provide statistical support to Donald and Team Europe through his statistical analysis model, which helped them to a 16.5-11.5 victory in Rome in 2023 and a historic 15-13 away win at Bethpage Black last September.

“Edoardo [Molinari] has been a rock of support to me,” Donald said. “He has made such a difference to our team. He is invaluable from a statistical analysis perspective, in terms of helping me with the qualification system, navigating the ever-changing world of golf.

“He is a very steady head. I always know where I stand with him and he gives me great advice. My vice-captain appointments are important, so to have his expertise again is key. He is a major factor in our backroom team.

“He is a numbers guy and he is always looking at how to gain those edges, through statistics, through looking at the golf course and how you can set it up to give yourself just a little bit of an edge, which you have a little bit more control over as a home team.”

Molinari was a winner with Team Europe as a player at Celtic Manor in 2010, prior to back-to-back spells as vice-captain, with the Italian relishing the opportunity to return to support Donald in the centenary edition of the Ryder Cup.

“It was a very easy decision when Luke [Donald] called me and asked me if I was willing to help him again,” Molinari said. “I was obviously very happy. Any time you can get involved in the Ryder Cup, in any role, it’s a great thing and I cannot wait for Adare Manor to come soon enough.

“Luke is an unbelievable captain. He’s very well-liked by all the players. The great thing about him is that he leads by example. He really puts a lot of effort and thoughts into this process.

“He [Donald] is trying to make all the players very comfortable when they’re in the team. At the same time, he’s very motivated to win. He will really try any new avenues, new ideas, and see what works. He is incredibly hardworking. the players really follow him because they see how motivated he is.”

Donald will name further vice-captains ahead of the next year’s Ryder Cup, having used Thomas Bjorn, Jose Maria Olazabal and Francesco Molinari in his European backroom team for both previous editions.

What about Team USA?

Tiger Woods’ decision to withdraw from Ryder Cup consideration leaves Team USA facing questions over who will lead them into next year’s edition at Adare Manor.

Woods was initially favourite to succeed Keegan Bradley for the centenary edition in Ireland, with the former world No 1 in discussions with the PGA of America over the role in the months prior to his latest car crash on March 27.

The 15-time champion was charged with driving under the influence and announced on March 31 he would step away from golf for a period to focus on his health, with the PGA of America confirming a day later that Woods’ decision also ends the possibility of him being Team USA’s next captain.

Webb Simpson, Brandt Snedeker and Jim Furyk were among Bradley’s vice-captains at Bethpage Black and are possible contenders for 2027 captaincy, with Stewart Cink and Justin Leonard also options.

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