The Chelsea legend driving Team Europe's Ryder Cup challenge

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 24 Sep 2025 08:26 CDT
• 2 min read

News

The 2025 Ryder Cup will take place from 26th to 28th September at the Black Course of Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York.

Team Europe will look to defend their crown against Team United States, having won the competition last time out in Rome in 2023.

Europe need 14 points to retain their trophy, while the USA must gain 14 1/2 points to win on home soil.

The Europeans have a familiar but surprising name as part of their entourage. Chelsea and Premier League legend Gianfranco Zola will feature throughout the tournament as Francesco Molinari's official golf buggy driver.

The Italian was even included in Team Europe's official photo.

Zola is a longtime golf fan and has played in various Pro-Am events over the years.

Molinari, who has been part of three Ryder Cup-winning teams, is acting in a vice-captain capacity to Team Europe captain Luke Donald.

Zola will be busy on the buggy, as one of the roles of the vice-captain is to view as much of the action as possible in order to report back to the captain.

Molinari became friends with his compatriot Zola back in 2009 after moving to London. He adopted West Ham as his football club of choice. The former Chelsea ace was manager of the Hammers at that time and helped his countryman settle in the UK capital.

After winning The Open Championship in 2018, the golfer explained: "When I moved to London I was looking for an English team to support.

"Zola was the manager. He is a good friend of mine and there was no other choice. He has moved on since but I have stuck with the Hammers."

Luke Donald's other vice-captains are Francesco's brother, Edoardo Molinari, as well as Thomas Bjorn, Jose Maria Olazabal and Alex Noren.

The United States are led by Keegan Bradley, who has selected Jim Furyk, Kevin Kisner, Webb Simpson, Brandt Snedeker and Gary Woodland as his vice-captains.