Ryder Cup: Europe's Hovland Out with Neck Injury

Viktor Hovland celebrates a crucial win on the 14th hole during the morning foursomes session on Saturday

Viktor Hovland's participation in Sunday's singles matches at the Ryder Cup is uncertain due to a neck injury, Europe captain Luke Donald announced on Saturday.

Viktor Hovland's neck injury puts his participation in Sunday's Ryder Cup singles matches in doubt, triggering the 'envelope rule'...

Viktor Hovland's participation in Sunday's singles matches at the Ryder Cup is uncertain due to a neck injury, prompting Europe captain Luke Donald to consider the “envelope rule.” This rule requires captains to submit a sealed envelope with the name of one player who would sit out if a player from the opposing team withdraws due to injury or illness more than 30 minutes before the start of singles matches.

If Hovland withdraws, Europe would need only two points from 11 singles matches to retain the Ryder Cup, rather than 2.5 points from 12 matches. The envelope rule has been used only a few times in Ryder Cup history, including in 1991 when US player Steve Pate was injured in a car accident, and in 1993 when Lanny Wadkins volunteered to sit out after Europe's Sam Torrance picked up a foot injury.

European captain Luke Donald provided an update on Viktor Hovland's condition after the golfer was forced to withdraw from the afternoon fourballs session due to a neck injury. “We'll see in the morning what he's like,” Donald said. “It's definitely stiffened up a little bit. He would love to play, and he'll do everything he can to play.” This uncertainty puts Hovland's participation in Sunday's singles matches in doubt.

Hovland had played a crucial role in Europe's morning foursomes session, teaming up with Robert MacIntyre to secure a 1-up victory over Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley. Despite struggling with discomfort during the match, Hovland persevered and helped his team gain a significant advantage. Donald revealed that Hovland received “a lot” of anti-inflammatories during the match and was feeling okay when he walked off the course. However, when Hovland went to hit some balls on the range, his condition worsened, making it clear he wouldn't be able to play to his best level.

Current Status:

• Injury: Neck injury, which has been a recurring issue for Hovland

• Treatment: Hovland has received anti-inflammatory medication and physiotherapy treatment

• Participation: Uncertain for Sunday's singles matches, with a final decision expected on Sunday morning

• Replacement: Tyrrell Hatton has replaced Hovland for the afternoon session, teaming up with Matt Fitzpatrick

If Hovland is unable to play, the “envelope rule” may come into effect, where both teams receive half a point in the affected match.

“He went in to rest, and then he went back out to the range to try and hit some balls. And when he got to the driver, he hit one, and it was very painful,” said Donald.

“He hit another one, and it got even more painful. It was at that point that he thought, you know, I'm not going to be able to play to the level that I think I can. So it was a last-minute decision to switch him out.”

Viktor Hovland's scheduled match against Harris English in Sunday's anchor singles match is uncertain due to a neck injury, triggering the Ryder Cup's “envelope rule.” This rule requires team captains to submit a sealed envelope with the name of a player who would sit out if a player from the opposing team withdraws due to injury or illness more than 30 minutes before the start of singles matches.

How the Envelope Rule Works:

Sealed Envelope: Captains submit a sealed envelope with the name of one player who would sit out in case of an opponent's withdrawal due to injury or illness.

Withdrawal Before Match: If a player withdraws more than 30 minutes before the start of singles matches, the player named in the envelope sits out, and the match is considered tied, with both teams receiving a half-point.

Withdrawal Less Than 30 Minutes: If a player withdraws less than 30 minutes before the start of singles matches, their match is forfeited.

Impact on Europe's Lead: If Hovland withdraws, Europe would need only two points from the remaining 11 singles matches to retain the Ryder Cup, instead of 2.5 points from 12 matches.

The envelope rule has been used only a few times in Ryder Cup history, including in 1991 when US player Steve Pate was injured in a car accident, and in 1993 when Lanny Wadkins volunteered to sit out after Europe's Sam Torrance picked up a foot injury.

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If Hovland withdraws, his match against Harris English would be considered a tied match, with both teams receiving a half-point. Europe's target to retain the Ryder Cup would shift from 2.5 points from 12 singles matches to 2 points from 11 singles matches, slightly easing their requirements.

With Hovland out, Europe's lineup and strategy might change. Captain Luke Donald would need to reassess his team's chances and decide how to maximize their points. The “envelope rule” would dictate which player sits out, potentially altering the dynamics of the competition.