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Other Sports2025 Team Cup: Rose and Molinari handed captaincy in Ryder Cup warm-up

2025 Team Cup: Rose and Molinari handed captaincy in Ryder Cup warm-up

Justin Rose will captain Great Britain & Ireland against Francesco Molinari’s Continental Europe side in the 2025 Team Cup in Abu Dhabi.

The three-day Ryder Cup-style matchplay contest debuted in 2023 when Italian Molinari led Continental Europe to victory.

The 2025 instalment will take place at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort’s National Course from January 10-12.

Rose helped Europe to victory in the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, with Molinari one of Luke Donald’s vice-captains, and Rose admitted: “It’ll be strange going up against Fran in a matchplay competition rather than him being on the same side.

“But it’s something I am really looking forward to, even though I know it will be tough given Fran’s history not just in this contest but in the Ryder Cup too.

“There is so much exciting talent from Great Britain and Ireland on the DP World Tour right now – it will be great to have the chance to try and mould them into a winning team.”

‘I have immense respect for Justin’

Molinari added: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to captain Continental Europe again and to try and successfully defend the Team Cup.

“It was a really special week in 2023 and was great to see players from so many different countries across the continent working towards one single goal.

“I have immense respect for Justin, he is a great competitor and going up against him and his team is a challenge I’m really relishing.”

The pair will lead 10-strong teams comprising the leading four available players from the final 2024 Race to Dubai Rankings, plus five wildcard picks.

Donald will oversee the event and consult on the selections made by both captains, adding: “I’m really pleased that the Team Cup is returning as it provided some invaluable experience for a lot of players last year.

“I think all of us got a lot out of the week in terms of experiencing the uniqueness of a team environment.

“It also helped everyone involved to understand, through the past Ryder Cup captains who came and spoke to the players during the event, just what it means to represent Europe in the Ryder Cup.”

Alex Hoad
Alex Hoad
Alex has more than 15 years' experience in sports journalism and has reported on multiple Olympics, World Cups and European Championships in additional to Champions League, Europa League and domestic football.
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