“I would happily give one Major back”: Edoardo Molinari reveals 2023 Team Europe Ryder Cup vice-captain’s revelation which left the team shocked

The 2023 Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club was nothing short of memorable for Team Europe, who took back the trophy after a stellar performance.

Needless to say, the credit went to the golfers for their solid performances, as well as team captain Luke Donald and vice-captains Francesco Molinari, Edoardo Molinari, Thomas Bjørn, Nicolas Colsaerts, and José María Olazábal.

Jose Maria Olazabal led his own Ryder Cup team to victory in 2012, also known as the 'Miracle at Medinah'. In a recent conversation with the No Laying Up podcast, Edoardo Molinari spoke about a passionate conversation between Olazabal and the team:

"Olazabal (Ryder Cup vice-captain) was telling us some stories at night one evening and then eventually he almost started crying. We asked, 'Jose, what's wrong?' He said, 'Well you guys don't realize how much this means to me, because I would happily give one major back to be able to play in one more Ryder Cup.'"

Edoardo Molinari further added:

We were like, 'say that again?' And he said, 'yes, very happily I would give one major back to play one more Ryder Cup.' This is how much it means to him. So, yeah, it's quite special.

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Jose Maria Olazabal's memorable 2012 Ryder Cup victory as team captain

The 57-year-old golfer won 20.5 points in his seven appearances at the biennial tournament. Needless to say, he and Seve Ballesteros formed one of the best partnerships over the years, earning 12 points in 15 matches.

Olazabal was also the vice-captain for the 2008, 2010, and 2014 team. However, 2012 was his crowning moment as he led the European team to victory at Medinah in Illinois. At the end of the first day, Team USA led the tournament 10–6 and the European team needed at least eight points to retain the Cup.

Europe managed to achieve one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the tournament by winning eight of the twelve singles matches and tying one more. Known as the Miracle at Medinah, the European team managed to secure outright victory with 14.5 points.

Olazabal dedicated the win to his golf partner Seve Ballesteros, who had passed away the year before. Needless to say, the Cup holds a special place in Olazabal's heart.