Molinari’s Swiss sojourn is anything but a holiday

APART from warming up for the Open at the Scottish Open in July, you have to go back almost two years to find the last time Francesco Molinari played in a regular European Tour event. It’s safe to assume, therefore, the main reason he is in Switzerland this week for the European Masters is not to enjoy the spectacular Alpine views, but because he still thinks he can tie down the last Ryder Cup wildcard place. With just three events left to play before the team is finalised, it’s understandable the Italian — who claimed an unprecedented five points out of five in Paris last time — considers himself still in the running. With captain Padraig Harrington leaning towards another experienced hand for his final card alongside Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia, the likes of Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson, Danny Willett and Martin Kaymer are all in the same boat. Who among them can put together a sequence of results to make an irresistible case to the Irishman?