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Francesco Molinari admitted “things went wrong” and he could have done more to help his continental side ahead of their Coupe defeat to Great Britain and Ireland.
The continent entered the Ryder Cup-style event as defending champions after a successful 2023 campaign, but lost four editions of the tournament, falling to Justin Rose’s side 17-8.
Their title defense suffered a setback when key player Nikolai Hojgaard was forced to withdraw due to illness, while vice-captain Thomas Bjorn’s role was also limited due to illness, as England and Ireland competed in the three-day dominate the game.
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Luke Donald explains the importance of the Team Cup in preparation for the Ryder Cup later this year
Molinari’s side trailed 11-4 in Sunday’s singles clash despite French pair Mathieu Pavin and Romain Langesque combining to win three games in the previous two days, with England and It didn’t take long for Ireland to get the two points they needed to seal victory.
“I think I could probably do a little better with the kids,” Molinari said. “They gave it their all. In an event like this, the guys on our side may be a little less experienced, but they’re great guys and they tried their best. The GB&I team was so tough for us this week.”
“Definitely not ideal (losing Nikolai Hojgaard to illness). Thomas Bjorn should have been vice-captain, I think he was a little sick all week. There were some issues from the start of the week. We missed Nicholas.
“But to be fair, Julian (Guerrier) came in at the last minute and played some great golf. I’m glad the young guys were exposed to this environment and we’ll be back in two years trying to win it back.”
Francesco Molinari captains Continental for second consecutive term
GB&I led in nine of 10 games at one stage of the singles competition and threatened to collapse, but the Continentals fought back bravely with the match already lost to win three games and tie the game on the final day played two games.
“I loved the experience and the boys made me look really good at it,” Rose said of the captaincy. “The way they play is top-notch. We have a clear message about taking the initiative, trying to persevere and playing wave after wave.
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Ross reflects on GB & Ireland’s Team Cup victory and the importance of the tournament in preparations for this year’s Ryder Cup
“With a big lead, everyone felt like we could get the job done, but just focusing on individuals and personal pride, kind of continuing the message of this week.
“The leaderboard early in the round is really surprising. All credit to Continental, Francisco himself and the whole team. The whole game was played with great spirit but my team was definitely on the right track Timing the right putts and winning most key games.”
Tyrrell Hatton has 3.5 points in four games
Fleetwood and Hatton impress in Britain and Ireland
Tommy Fleetwood sealed the winner in a 3&1 win over Pavon and sealed the win for Europe in their win over the United States at the 2023 Ryder Cup.
Ryder Cup star Fleetwood, who extended his formidable record in team events by winning all four points this week, said: “It feels great obviously, we have an incredible group of people this week ‘s lads and an unbelievable captain so it’s just great to be a part of it.
“Everyone played well. I always find being around the lads in a team environment very motivating and inspiring, you want to get the best out of yourself. I’m delighted we got it done this time and sure we will in the future Would love it”.
Hatton, who is also unbeaten and looking to secure a fourth consecutive Ryder Cup appearance, added: “I think we all have a common goal at the start of the week – wanting to win the Teams Cup back. So yeah, Very happy that my point won today, but more importantly, the team won.
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Tyrrell Hatton made a monster eagle on the par-5 final hole the next day, joining teammate Matt Wallace for a half-point in the tournament
“By now, I think Luke (Donald) knows what I’m capable of or what kind of golf I can play. It’s harder for me to automatically qualify for the team, but I’ve got five games to do. I’m going to Trying my best to make it through the past three Ryder Cups, I’m happy to keep that momentum going.”
What to do next?
The DP World Tour will host the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in the Middle East, the opening event of this year’s Rolex Series, with Rory McIlroy returning as defending champion. Sky Sports Golf will begin feature group coverage at 4am on Thursday, with full coverage starting at 7am.
Several of the squads from this week’s Team Cup could feature in the Ryder Cup later this year, which will be broadcast live exclusively on Sky Sports Golf from September 26-28. Stream PGA Tour, DP World Tour, Majors and more with NOW.
