Ryder Cup: Former Open champion Francesco Molinari appointed as vice captain for Team Europe for third time

Former Open champion Francesco Molinari has been named as one of Luke Donald's vice captains for a third consecutive Ryder Cup.

The Italian joins his brother, Edoardo, in European skipper Donald's backroom team for next year's event at Adare Manor in Limerick, Ireland.

Both Molinaris were part of Donald's successful set-ups at the 2023 and 2025 competitions at Marco Simone and Bethpage Black respectively.

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Molinari said: "I was very pleased when Luke asked me. I've had two great experiences in Rome and New York, two very different ones, but both of them memorable and some of the best weeks of my life.

"So, it was an easy, straightforward decision. Anytime you get asked to be involved, there's only one possible answer and I can't wait to be there again."

Molinari, 43, who won the Open at Carnoustie in 2018, has strong Ryder Cup pedigree, having also featured in three victorious teams as a player.

In 2012, he secured the half-point against Tiger Woods that completed Europe's famous comeback victory over the United States at Medinah, while in 2018 he won all five of his matches in Paris.

He is the second of Donald's vice captains to be confirmed.

Donald said: "I'm really excited to have Francesco back on board. He has been an integral part of the backroom team as a vice captain the last two times I've been captain."

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(c) Sky Sports 2026: Ryder Cup: Former Open champion Francesco Molinari appointed as vice captain for Team Europe for third time