Luke Donald makes first big Ryder Cup decision ahead of Adare Manor

European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has confirmed Edoardo Molinari as his first vice captain for the 2027 contest at Adare Manor.

Donald's announcement comes less than 24 hours after the PGA of America confirmed Tiger Woods will not captain the United States team in 2027, leaving the role open to a number of potential candidates including Jim Furyk, Stewart Cink, Webb Simpson, Brandt Snedeker and an immediate return for Keegan Bradley.

Woods’ withdrawal from the captaincy race follows a recent incident in Florida in which the 15-time major champion crashed his car and was subsequently arrested for DUI. He is currently taking time away from the sport to focus on his health and personal matters.

Donald, who led Europe to victories at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in 2023 and Bethpage Black Course in 2025, will now bid to become the first captain in 100 years of Ryder Cup history to win three consecutive matches.

The appointment of Molinari, 45, comes as little surprise given his integral role in Europe’s recent success. 

Widely regarded as one of the key strategic minds within the team, the Italian has been credited with delivering crucial statistical insights that shaped pairings and tactics across both victories.

Matt Fitzpatrick underlined Molinari’s influence following Europe’s triumph in New York, insisting his contribution extends far beyond numbers.

"I know Luke already said it in his press conference but I think Edoardo is very, not underappreciated, but I guess -- well, no, I think underappreciated is the right thing," Fitzpatrick said after Europe's victory at the 2025 Ryder Cup.

"He is very appreciated by Team Europe, but I think in the outside world, it's very much, oh, he's just the stats guy or whatever.

"But to me, Edoardo is No. 1 in the business by a complete mile.

"How he's helped Luke and the vice captains and how he's shaped the team, pairings, qualification, has been outstanding in my opinion.

"I think there's a lot of credit that needs to go to Edoardo as well."

Molinari will reprise his role for a third consecutive Ryder Cup in 2027, continuing to provide detailed statistical analysis to support Donald and Team Europe’s decision-making.

“It was a very easy decision when Luke called me and asked me if I was willing to help him again,” said Molinari. 

I was obviously very happy. I think any time you can get involved in the Ryder Cup, in any role, it's a great thing and I cannot wait for Adare Manor to come soon enough.

“Luke is an unbelievable captain. He's very well-liked by all the players. The great thing about him is that he leads by example. He really puts a lot of effort and thoughts into this process, into the Ryder Cup. He's trying to make all the players very comfortable when they're in the team. And at the same time, he's very motivated to win.

“He will really try any new avenues, new ideas, and see what works. He is incredibly hardworking. And then the players really follow him because they see how motivated he is.

“I thought 2023 in Rome was great, but 2025 was another level. Europe hadn't won away in a long time. Winning in New York against those crowds was something everyone thought was always impossible when we started working for it. To be able to pull it off, was a dream come true, and at the end of the week it was incredible. It was something that we will never forget.

“It's going to be incredible to play in front of the Irish crowd next year. Every time we play in an Irish Open or anything really in Ireland, they're always very passionate, very loud. They're also very respectful of the players, which I think is going to be a great thing for this Ryder Cup coming after New York. But obviously being the home team, they will be supporting us very strongly, very loud. It's going to be amazing for all the players and everyone involved to be playing in front of them.”

Donald said of his first appointment: “Edoardo has been a rock of support to me. He has made such a difference to our team. He is invaluable from a statistical analysis perspective, in terms of helping me with the qualification system, navigating the ever-changing world of golf.

“He is a very steady head. I always know where I stand with him and he gives me great advice.

“For me, my vice captain appointments are important, so to have his expertise again is key. He is a major factor in our backroom team.

“He works closely with a number of players. He is a numbers guy and he is always looking at how to gain those edges, through statistics, through looking at the golf course and how you can set it up to give yourself just a little bit of an edge, which you have a little bit more control over as a home team.

“I’m excited to work with him again. He is so committed, so dedicated and he loves what the Ryder Cup represents. It’s an honour to having him by my side once again.”

Molinari first served as vice captain during Europe’s 16.5-11.5  victory in Rome before playing a key role in the 15–13 win at Bethpage last year. 

The Italian will now return for the 100th anniversary edition of the Ryder Cup in Ireland from 17–19 September 2027.

A former Ryder Cup player himself, Molinari represented Europe in 2010 alongside his brother Francesco Molinari, becoming part of the first brother pairing to face the United States since 1963.