Molinari’ s surprise over top Ryder role

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

“I played in 2010 and to be able to be a vice-captain in this one is a dream come true

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.”

In 2010, Molinari, a three-time DP World Tour winner – and his sibling – became the first brothers to compete against the USA since Bernard and Geoffrey Hunt played for Great Britain and Ireland in 1963.

The Molinaris halved their four-ball match against Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar and Edoardo contributed a key half point in his singles match against Rickie Fowler as Europe narrowly won.

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.

“I’m very happy to have him on board and I’m very much looking forward to his input and to lean on his experience. With him being Italian, it is going to be an extra special week for him.

“I envisage Thomas and Edoardo as the working group that I will lean on for the foreseeable future.

“There will be a lot of healthy discussion and input between us. I’m delighted to have both of them as part of Team Europe.”

UP FOR THE CUP: Edoardo Molinari has been named European vice-captain.