"Two more years.” This was the cry for Luke Donald sung by Team Europe on Sunday, October 1, 2023, as they lifted the Ryder Cup to the skies in Rome. The same cry for the same recipient, from the same team, and with the same trophy in hand, was raised on Sunday, September 28, 2025, in New York. At the Marco Simone, Donald's reappointment was practically a given. At Bethpage, a little less so. In the event of a reversal, Tommy Fleetwood already knows who to focus on: Francesco Molinari.
Fleetwood, stataments
“I've spoken to Francesco several times about it,” Fleetwood said. “He has the respect of his teammates, a successful career, and invaluable experience for this role. He would be a great captain.”
Fleetwood and Molinari are great friends. Legend has it that Tommy's son is named Frankie in honor of Francesco—actually, Laser Frankie. Friends off the course, unbeatable on the course. The two were a de facto duo in Paris 2018: in that unforgettable Ryder Cup, the "Moliwoods" won all four matches as a pair. A superteam composed of Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau also lost to them with a resounding 5&4. A perfect chemistry, which today translates into respect and trust.
Don't count your options: if Luke Donald decides to stay on for another two years, no one would be able to oppose him. After winning the Ryder Cup, Luke Donald had hinted he wanted to step down. Now, thanks to pressure from the industry and the players, his name is still in the running.
Fleetwood falls into line: Donald has earned the right to decide for himself. Whether to stay or not. And if he steps back, the Englishman has a clear idea of who should take over.
Matthew Fitzpatrick agrees with Tommy (currently ranked number five in the world, having never been this high), describing Francesco Molinari as "similar to Luke: reserved, analytical, and thoughtful. A natural fit for the role."
The day after tomorrow, it will be Justin Rose's turn.
Sooner or later, that role will fall to Justin Rose. The role of captain is a perfect fit for the 45-year-old Englishman, who was decisive before and during the European expedition in Farmingdale. It seems there's still time, though. His compatriot Fleetwood is almost convinced, joking about it. "Knowing him, he'll play the Ryder Cup until he's 102. We'll have to wait a while before we see him as captain!"
Jokes aside, no one should be surprised if Rose were to be part of Team Europe again in 2027 at Adare Manor.
Two brothers for Team Europe 2027?
We already know the importance of Edoardo Molinari's role in terms of statistics and strategy. Having him as vice-captain and Francesco as captain would give continuity to the European project. Who knows, perhaps in 2027, at Rory McIlroy's home, we'll once again see a strongly Italian-tinged Ryder Cup.
