GOLF – Luke Donald named Francesco Molinari as his second vice-captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup, it was announced yesterday.
The golf spectacle will be played at Adare Manor in Limerick, Ireland, from September 13 to 19.
Molinari joins his brother Edoardo in Donald’s backroom team for the third consecutive Ryder Cup, both having previously been vice-captains for the victories at Marco Simone in 2023 and Bethpage in 2025.
The trio will now aim to guide Europe to a third consecutive win against the US when the Ryder Cup celebrates its 100th anniversary next year.
“I was very pleased when Luke asked me,” Molinari said. “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.”
European Ryder Cup Captain Luke 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.
“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.”
As a player, Molinari featured in three victorious European Ryder Cup teams, including two on home soil.
He made his debut alongside Edoardo at The Celtic Manor Resort in 2010 and two years later at Medinah, he secured the half point in the final singles match against Tiger Woods which ensured that Jose María Olazabal’s team won the 2012 Ryder Cup outright 14-1/2 to 13-1/2.
In 2018, he became the first European player to win all five of his matches in a Ryder Cup, as Thomas Bjorn’s team triumphed 17-1/2 to 10-1/2 at Le Golf National in Paris.
Earlier that year, Molinari won The Open Championship at Carnoustie, becoming Italy’s first Major Champion.
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