Former Open champion opens up about a future Ryder Cup captaincy and leading Europe team
Bildnummer: 11660442 Datum: 12.10.2012 Copyright: imago/Xinhua ANTALYA, Oct. 12, 2012 - Justin Rose of England plays a shot during his match at the final of the Turkish Airlines World Golf Final at Antalya Golf Club in Antalya, Turkey, on Oct. 12, 2012. (Xinhua/Ma Yan) TURKEY-ANTALYA-WORLD GOLF FINAL PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN; Golf Herren x2x xmb 2012 quer o00 Symbol Silhouette Golfer Golfspieler Image number 11660442 date 12 10 2012 Copyright imago Xinhua Antalya OCT 12 2012 Justin Rose of England Plays A Shot during His Match AT The Final of The Turkish Airlines World Golf Final AT Antalya Golf Club in Antalya Turkey ON OCT 12 2012 Xinhua Ma Yan Turkey Antalya World Golf Final PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN Golf men x2x xmb 2012 horizontal o00 symbol Silhouette Golfers Golfer
Bildnummer: 11660442 Datum: 12.10.2012 Copyright: imago/Xinhua ANTALYA, Oct. 12, 2012 - Justin Rose of England plays a shot during his match at the final of the Turkish Airlines World Golf Final at Antalya Golf Club in Antalya, Turkey, on Oct. 12, 2012. (Xinhua/Ma Yan) TURKEY-ANTALYA-WORLD GOLF FINAL PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN; Golf Herren x2x xmb 2012 quer o00 Symbol Silhouette Golfer Golfspieler Image number 11660442 date 12 10 2012 Copyright imago Xinhua Antalya OCT 12 2012 Justin Rose of England Plays A Shot during His Match AT The Final of The Turkish Airlines World Golf Final AT Antalya Golf Club in Antalya Turkey ON OCT 12 2012 Xinhua Ma Yan Turkey Antalya World Golf Final PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN Golf men x2x xmb 2012 horizontal o00 symbol Silhouette Golfers Golfer
Francesco Molinari has enjoyed success as both a Ryder Cup player and vice-captain. Now, attention is turning to whether he could one day lead Europe himself.
Molinari was named the second European Ryder Cup vice-captain last week and will join his brother Edoardo in captain Luke Donald's backroom team for the third consecutive Ryder Cup. When asked about the possibility of becoming captain in the future, the former Open champion made his stance clear.
“Yeah, obviously, if you get asked, it’s not something you turn down. That would never enter my mind. I know there are a lot of strong, valid candidates and a lot of moving parts. We don’t know exactly what the situation is going to be in two or three years,” Molinari said in a Sky Sports Golf podcast.
Jul 14, 2022; St. Andrews, SCT; Francesco Molinari tees off on the third hole during the first round of the 150th Open Championship golf tournament at St. Andrews Old Course. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 14, 2022; St. Andrews, SCT; Francesco Molinari tees off on the third hole during the first round of the 150th Open Championship golf tournament at St. Andrews Old Course. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
Molinari’s résumé is indeed strong for the role of future captain. As a vice-captain, he was part of the victories at Marco Simone in 2023 and at Bethpage Black last year.
As a player, the Italian won the 2012 Ryder Cup, which was just his second appearance.
“I mean I’d love to do it. I think it’s out of my hands, but I’m here. They know where I am if they need someone and I’d be very happy to do it,” he added in the podcast.
Alongside his leadership skills, Molinari has put up strong performances on the big stage.
In 2018, Molinari became the first European player to win all five Ryder Cup matches and later that year became Italy's first major champion by winning The Open at Carnoustie. For now, however, his focus is on helping Europe secure a third consecutive victory over the United States next year.
Molinari also shared his thoughts on captain Luke Donald.
Molinari praises Donald as Europe eyes Ryder Cup history
Luke Donald has been incredibly successful as the captain of the European team. Molinari believes his communication skills are top-notch.
“Luke has been a great leader these past few years. I think he has really found something special in this role. He fits it perfectly, and he's only gotten better with time and experience. Communication is a huge part of his job, of our job. Communicating with the players, with us, and expressing his ideas and just trying to get everyone on the same page,” Molinari said, as reported by Ryder Cup Europe.
After guiding Europe to victory at Bethpage last year, Donald will attempt to make history at Adare Manor by becoming the first captain to lead a Ryder Cup team to three consecutive victories.
Donald was a player in the 2006 Ryder Cup in Ireland, so he already has some idea of what to expect next year.
Do you think Molinari will become the next captain of the European Ryder Cup team? Share your opinions in the comments.
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Written by
Avishek Sarkar
Edited by
Pulkit Prabhav