Luke Donald (R) and Edoardo Molinari (L) will team up again in Europe's bid for a third straight Ryder Cup title

Luke Donald (R) and Edoardo Molinari (L) will team up again in Europe's bid for a third straight Ryder Cup title

Italian Edoardo Molinari will be vice-captain to Europe skipper Luke Donald for a third successive Ryder Cup  next year in Ireland, the European Tour announced Thursday.

Molinari and his use of statistical analysis were key to Europe's triumphs under Donald in the 2023 matches in Rome and last year's event at Bethpage Black.

"It was a very easy decision when Luke called me and asked me if I was willing to help him again," Molinari said after being named as Donald's first vice-captain.

"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."

Former world number one Donald will lead Europe for a third straight Ryder Cup.

"I'm excited to work with him again," Donald said of Molinari, who played in Europe's 2010 victory in Wales.

"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."

Tiger Woods had been reportedly in line to captain the United States team, but dropped out of the running after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

The Americans have not lifted the trophy on European soil since 1993 at The Belfry.

jc/pb

Originally published on doc.afp.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

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