Francesco Molinari will return as a vice-captain for Team Europe at the 2027 Ryder Cup, marking his third consecutive appointment in the role under captain Luke Donald. The announcement, which confirms the continuity of Europe’s leadership team, was finalized on June 23, 2026.
Molinari will work alongside his brother, Edoardo Molinari, in the backroom staff. The trio previously collaborated during Europe’s victories at the 2023 Ryder Cup held at Marco Simone and the 2025 event at Bethpage Black. In an exclusive interview, the Italian golfer expressed his long-term goal of eventually leading the squad, stating, “I’d love to do it,” when asked about his ambitions to become the European team captain in a future edition of the tournament.
A decorated veteran of the event, Molinari was a key player in three winning European teams between 2010 and 2018. His notable history includes securing a decisive half-point against Tiger Woods during the 2012 “Miracle at Medinah” and achieving a perfect 5-0-0 record at the 2018 contest in Paris. Ryder Cup Europe officially confirmed the appointment, citing his measured personality and tactical experience as key assets for the upcoming competition at Adare Manor in Limerick, Ireland.
Looking Ahead
The 2027 Ryder Cup is scheduled to take place from September 13–19, 2027. By retaining the leadership structure that secured recent victories, Team Europe aims to defend its title and achieve a third consecutive win over the United States. Molinari’s ongoing involvement as a vice-captain is viewed as a strategic bridge, allowing him to gain further managerial experience while maintaining his rapport with the current player pool.