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2h ago

Gianfranco Zola Joins Team Europe as Molinari’s Ryder Cup Buggy Driver

The Chelsea great, a close friend of Francesco Molinari, joins Luke Donald’s staff to provide on-course support.

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“We made the comparison that the Ryder Cup is like the World Cup for footballers” — Molinari, left, and Zola at Bethpage Black on Tuesday

Overview

  • Zola is serving as Francesco Molinari’s designated on-course buggy driver at Bethpage Black during Ryder Cup week in New York.
  • He has been invited into captain Luke Donald’s backroom team and has been present with Europe during practice rounds.
  • The former Chelsea forward has advised players on dealing with partisan crowds, urging them to enter a mental “protection bubble.”
  • Zola’s role stems from a friendship that began in 2009 when Molinari moved to London and Zola was managing West Ham.
  • A single-figure handicapper who regularly plays the BMW PGA Championship pro-am at Wentworth, Zola brings golf credibility as well as logistical help.