Moliwood Named As Skippers For Hero Cup

This is something different and a welcome move with the times. When the inaugural Hero Cup was announced there probably wasn't too much excitement around it and there was no mention of Seve given the similarities with the Seve Trophy.

But now we will have Le Golf National's golden couple, Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari, as the captains for the Great Britain and Ireland and Continental Europe sides. The matches will take place at Abu Dhabi GC from January 13-15 and two 10-man teams will compete in foursomes, fourballs and singles with all 20 players in action.

The idea of the matches is to provide more team matchplay experience to Europe's players ahead of the Ryder Cup in Rome in September.

"The Hero Cup is a great idea. I felt like it benefited me when I played in similar events," said Italian Molinari. "Hopefully as captains Tommy and I can bring some of our own experience of team golf to help the other players and we are looking forward to working with Luke on this exciting new concept ahead of a big year for European golf with the Ryder Cup taking place in my home country."

As for Fleetwood, who partnered Molinari to a perfect four wins in Paris, he added: "Fran and I obviously get on very well so I am sure it will feel a little strange at first being opposing captains but I think the Hero Cup is a fantastic way for players to compete in team matchplay, which is something both of us have always relished."

Luke Donald, who will be at the match and will oversee things, will take the reins of the European outfit having taken over after Henrik Stenson defected to LIV Golf.

The United States are the heavy favourites, at 4-7, following their rout at Whistling Straits though the last time that they won on European soil was in 1993.