THE ED MASTER

European stars are backing The Guru Molinari to be Ryder Cup's local hero

- CRAIG SWAN

POKER-PLAYING loves crunching Viktor Hovland just his numbers.

Matt Fitzpatrick tagged him a genius and Rory Mcllroy simply calls him The Guru. Europe wants a rapid start and, if they get it, much will be down to Fast Eddy. Zach Johnson may have his collective Nerd Herd providing the statistical weaponry.

Edoardo Molinari is a One Man Army. And he's the local man with the plan for this Italian Job.

He doesn't just have the experience of winning with Colin Montgomerie's team at Celtic Manor 13 years ago.

He's also built the information which has transformed the fortunes of players across the game. Francesco was the points-winning five from five hero of Europe's last win at Le Golf National and now his brother may hold the cards.

Donald's team selections have been built on Eddy's database. The skipper and his vice-captains have their eyes, their feel for form and their judgment, but they are fully invested in Molinari's ways and, crucially, so are his key men.

During his two decades in the game, he's always been a prolific notetaker and has now developed his StatisticGolf platform onto a level where it is now seen as a major weapon.