Ryder Cup's LIV drama assessed by Edoardo Molinari who shares European mindset

06 February 2023 , 17:00

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Edoardo Molinari will work as a vice-captain under Luke Donald at the Ryder Cup (Image: Getty Images)

European Ryder Cup vice captain Edoardo Molinari has given an insight into how Luke Donald's side are going about their business amid the uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf rebels' participation.

European golf faces a critical week with the LIV vs DP World Tour hearing taking place behind closed doors - that started on Monday in London - which could change the landscape of the circuit.

A victory for the 13 appellants, who are hoping to continue to play on the DP World Tour circuit outside their LIV Golf commitments, could have huge implications on the Ryder Cup too.

But at present, Luke Donald - as well as US captain Zach Johnson - are none the wiser over whether plenty of their top stars can feature in Rome when the Ryder Cup gets underway.

Those include the likes of European veterans Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia while on the American side of things, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Patrick Reed and Brooks Koepka could miss out.

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It is arguably the most chaotic build-up to a Ryder Cup yet, but Molinari - who will be desperate to mastermind Europe to glory as an assistant at his home event at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club - is adamant the side won't be distracted by the lengthy saga.

"I don't think it will affect us much at all to be honest," the 41-year-old told Mirror Sport at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship when asked about the chaos engulfing the Ryder Cup.

Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter could miss out on a Ryder Cup spot after their LIV Golf moves (PA)

"We will just focus on the players that are playing well, and players that are playing a full schedule. And then when the time comes if the LIV players can play, great... but if not, we just do without them and I think we will have a great team no matter what."

The Italian, who was a member of the 2010 Ryder Cup-winning team, added: "I haven't spoken to anyone. I don't know if Luke has spoken with some or not. It's something you should ask Luke but I haven't spoken with anyone.

"We are just keeping an eye on everything. If some play, great. But who knows, it just depends what the court is going to say, what the tour is going to say, so it's not really in our hands."

Donald, who replaced LIV defector Henrik Stenson as captain, is certainly facing an uneasy time as skipper amid the unknown. But Molinari is extremely confident Europe - spearheaded by Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm - will be putting out a team capable of taking the US all the way near Rome when it gets underway at the end of September.

Ryder Cup captains Zach Johnson and Luke Donald face an uncertain selection process (Getty Images)

"It is going to be fantastic to be a part of it. The fact that it's in Italy is an added bonus, but the fact that you can be a part of the Ryder Cup whether that be as a captain, a player, a caddie, it's fantastic. It is going to be great fun, the guys are going to be up for it. I think we're going to have a great team. And it is going to be a fantastic week as always.

"The US have a very strong team. Every time pretty much they seem better than us but then a couple of times, one way or the other we put up a good match for them and hopefully we will be able to get the famous 14.5."

Molinari was speaking about the Ryder Cup during his participation at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship last week, where he finished tied 42nd having posted a brilliant first round of six-under par.

Jonathan Spencer