HERO CUP

January 13, 2023

Francesco Molinari

Abu Dhabi Golf Club

Continental Europe

Quick Quotes

Q. Any lead is a good lead in this game and you'll take one into tomorrow. How do you reflect on your team's performance on day one of The Hero Cup?

FRANCESCO MOLINARI: I'm really, really happy and proud of how we started today. I think obviously a lot of tight matches which is good for Luke and the vice captains to see. My guys did amazing. Obviously it's a nice start, long way to go but it's always nice winning a day, winning a session.

Q. What was the key message going out for your team this morning?

FRANCESCO MOLINARI: Just I trust them 100 percent. I believe in them. They are amazing players. So really just to play their own game and be confident. Enjoy obviously the sort of team atmosphere, being in a pairing is something that doesn't happen very often in our career, no matter how many team events you play. So just make the most of it, and play some good golf.

Q. Obviously your own game was quite dramatic as well, playing alongside Nico lay today. How impressed were you by him?

FRANCESCO MOLINARI: Yeah, very. He's a huge talent. Very composed. Great attitude. So yeah, I think I had a great time playing with him and I hope he had a good time playing with me. But yeah, you know, him and all the other guys, I feel really lucky. I've got a team that it's very easy to manage, lots of nice guys that get along well, and we are having a great time so far.

Q. Foursomes tomorrow, things change dramatically in that format. What will be your message for your team as they head out tomorrow?

FRANCESCO MOLINARI: Not too dissimilar from today to be honest. Obviously the challenge tomorrow is two sessions so you need to be mentally ready for that. However, after the morning, you need to reset for the afternoon. They are all amazing players and competitors. My job is pretty easy, really.