VIRGINIA WATER, England (AP) — Team Europe captain Luke Donald said Edoardo Molinari will return as his first vice captain for next year’s Ryder Cup.
Molinari worked under Donald in the past two Ryder Cups — the European victories in Rome in 2023 and at Bethpage Black in New York last year.
The biennial contest will be played at Adare Manor in Ireland, in September 2027. Europe has not lost on home soil since 1993.
“It was a very easy decision when Luke called me and asked me if I was willing to help him again. I was obviously very happy,” Molinari said in a statement on Thursday.
“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.”
The 45-year-old Molinari will once again provide key statistical support to Donald and Team Europe.
“Edoardo 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 ... He is a major factor in our backroom team.”
Molinari’s first time as vice captain was on home soil in Italy, helping Team Europe defeat the United States 16½ - 11½ at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome. He returned to the backroom team for the 15-13 win last September.
“He works closely with a number of players,” Donald added. “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.
“I’m excited to work with him again. He is so committed, so dedicated and he loves what the Ryder Cup represents. It’s an honor to having him by my side once again.”
Molinari featured as a player in the 2010 Ryder Cup victory in Wales alongside his brother Francesco, who was also a vice captain in Rome and New York.
AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Please purchase a Premium Subscription to continue reading.
To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.
We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.
A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means you’re helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
Only subscribers can view and post comments on articles.
Already a subscriber? Login Here
Could San Mateo County become one of the healthiest places to live? 🌿 Read moreBlue Zones Ignite San Mateo County Community Keynote
Woodside Musical Theatre proudly presents Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert — the company’s … Read moreJESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR in Concert
Planning your dream wedding? Discover everything you need at the Wedding Fair in the Park – … Read moreWedding Fair in the Park
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.