Francesco Molinari: Europe can retain Ryder Cup even without ‘Moliwood’ pairing

2018 Open champion Molinari is almost certain not to be part of Team Europe at Whistling Straits next month

Francesco Molinari (left) and Tommy Fleetwood are unlikely to resume their partnership at Whistling Straits (Adam Davy/PA)

Francesco Molinari has backed Europe to retain the Ryder Cup without his services and offered to provide long-distance support to the other half of ‘Moliwood’.

Molinari became the first European player to compile a perfect 5-0 record in the biennial contest in Paris in 2018, partnering Tommy Fleetwood to four wins and then securing the winning point against Phil Mickelson in the singles.