Ryder Cup: 2021 debacle will motivate Europe - Donald

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 3 - The heavy beating Europe took in the 2021 Ryder Cup will be an extra motivation as they seek to win back the trophy in Rome in 210 days' time, Europe Captain Luke Donald told ANSA in an exclusive interview on Friday.
    "The defeat to the United States in 2021 was devastating," Donald said ahead of the event at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club.
    "But today that debacle is an important motivation to try and reconquer the trophy".
    The 45-year-old Englishman, who won the Ryder Cup as a player in 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2012, can count on the world's top-ranked and third-ranked players in Spain's Job Rahm and Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy.
    "They are not just special players, they are also two ambassadors for European golf," Donald said.
    "They are essential, steadfast examples for young players.
    "European golf is going through an excellent period and I'm optimistic".
    Donald said he was keeping tabs on Francesco Molinari, Italy's only ever major champion and a three-time Ryder Cup winner who is coming back to form after a lean spell, and 26-year-old Guido Migliozzi.
    "Chicco Molinari is a leader," Donald said.
    "At the recent Hero Cup (between continental Europe and Britain and Ireland) he proved his worth again, as well as his special value in match-play events.
    "Migliozzi has great talent and he knows how to handle pressure.
    "I'll follow them with a great deal of attention throughout the qualification period".
    He said he is looking forward to the first ever Ryder Cup to be hosted in Italy.
    "I still remember the 1990 soccer World Cup (in Italy)," he said.
    "The Ryder Cup is comparable.
    "The whole nation will benefit.
    "Mayor events also inspire new generations of talents, bringing younger people to the world of golf". (ANSA).