Molinari drafted in as Stenson’s stats man
EUROPE captain Henrik Stenson has named Italy’s Edoardo Molinari as his second vice-captain for the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome.
Stenson earlier this month selected Thomas Bjorn as one of his assistants, with the Dane overseeing Europe’s victory at Le Golf National in Paris in 2018, and has now added Molinari to his backroom team.
Molinari was part of the 2010 side that memorably prevailed 14.5-13.5 at Celtic Manor Resort in Wales alongside his younger brother Francesco, who was in the team alongside Stenson the last time Europe won the biennial contest four years ago.
Europe handed the trophy back to the United States last year after a record 19-9 defeat at Whistling Straits but Molinari, who will provide statistical support to Sweden’s Stenson, is optimistic about their prospects at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club from September 29 to October 1 next year.
“It is fantastic,” Molinari said. “I played the Ryder Cup in 2010 and to be able to be a vice-captain in this one is a dream come true.
“It was a very unexpected call from Henrik. We had chatted a few times about stats and what I could do to help the team, but I never expected this.
“Knowing Henrik, he will leave no stone unturned. He will do everything he can to win the Ryder Cup back. It will be a lot of fun for all the guys playing for him too.
“He has always been a very friendly guy and is always smiling, so I think it will be a fantastic atmosphere in the team room.”
Stenson said: “I’m delighted to welcome Edoardo to the 2023 European Ryder Cup team as a vice-captain. He is really into stats and he works with a few of the players who will potentially be on my team.”