Italy’s Edoardo Molinari will reprise his role as a vice-captain for Europe at the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Limerick, Ireland.
The 46-year-old will work under captain Luke Donald for a third successive time, having been part of European victories at Marco Simone in Rome in 2023 and Bethpage Black in New York last year.
The biennial contest between Europe and the United States will take place from 17 to 19 September next year.
“It was a very easy decision when Luke called me and asked me if I was willing to help him again,” said Molinari, whose statistical support has underpinned Europe’s recent success.
“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.
“It’s going to be incredible to play in front of the Irish crowd. 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.”
Molinari becomes the first confirmed member of Donald’s backroom team.
The former world number one will be the first European to serve three consecutive terms at the helm since Bernard Gallacher between 1991 and 1995.
And he will seek every possible marginal gain as he looks to become the first captain to win three Ryder Cups in a row.
The US have not lifted the trophy on European soil since 1993 at The Belfry.
“Edoardo has been a rock of support to me. He has made such a difference to our team,” Donald said.
“He is invaluable from a statistical analysis perspective, in terms of helping me with the qualification system, navigating the ever-changing world of golf.
“I always know where I stand with him and he gives me great advice. To have his expertise again is key. He is a major factor in our backroom team.
“He is always looking at how to gain those edges, through statistics, through looking at the course and how you can set it up to give yourself just a little bit of an edge.”
Tiger Woods had been a strong candidate to captain the United States team, but the 50-year-old dropped out of the running after being arrested and charged with driving under the influence last week.
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