Francesco Molinari named fifth vice captain for Europe’s Ryder Cup team

Molinari joins brother Edoardo Molinari, Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal, Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts and Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn as vice-captains.

FILE PHOTO - Francesco Molinari, of Italy, hits on the 12th hole during a practice round for the U.S. Open golf tournament at The Country Club. Francesco Molinari was chosen as the fifth and final vice captain for Luke Donald when Europe tries to win back the cup against the Americans. | Photo Credit: Charlie Riedel/ AP

Team Europe captain Luke Donald has named Italy’s Francesco Molinari as his fifth and final vice-captain for next month’s Ryder Cup at Rome’s Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, the team announced on Wednesday.

Molinari, who made his debut in the 2010 edition when Europe regained the trophy in Wales, joins brother Edoardo Molinari, Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal, Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts and Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn as vice-captains.

“I started the year hoping to be there as a player, but it is still a great honour to be there as a vice-captain,” Molinari, who won the 2018 British Open, said.

“I got a phone call from Luke asking if I was interested and obviously it was a clear answer from me. He is assembling a really good team of people.

“... It’s a Ryder Cup which is particularly close to my heart being played in Rome so I will do whatever I can to help Luke and the team and hopefully bring the trophy back to Europe.”

The United States won the last Ryder Cup in Wisconsin last year. Europe have not lost a Ryder Cup on home soil since a 15-13 defeat at The Belfry in England in 1993.

The Ryder Cup will be held from Sep. 26–Oct. 1.