Team USA captain Keegan Bradley has called for a change to the Ryder Cup’s ‘Envelope Rule’ after it was used in the aftermath of Viktor Hovland’s injury during the 2018 event
Team USA captain Keegan Bradley has called for a seldom-used Ryder Cup regulation to be scrapped following the next edition of the tournament.
Roughly half an hour before Sunday’s singles matches got underway, Viktor Hovland was compelled to pull out due to a neck problem he picked up during Saturday’s fourball round.
Under the “Envelope Rule,” the American team was also obliged to withdraw a player, with Bradley choosing to sideline Ryder Cup debutant Harris English. Before each Ryder Cup begins, both captains jot down the name of one team member who will automatically be withdrawn from Sunday’s action should an opponent suffer an injury.
This slip of paper is then sealed in an envelope, which remains unopened unless circumstances dictate otherwise, reports the Mirror US.
Following Hovland’s withdrawal, both Team Europe and the USA were handed half a point going into Sunday’s play. The missed chance to bag an additional point ultimately proved damaging for the Stars and Stripes, as the Americans mounted a remarkable comeback by claiming six of the 11 singles encounters and drawing three more.
After Team USA’s 15-13 loss at Bethpage Black Golf Course, Bradley told journalists that the tournament’s regulations require modification. “Yeah, it has to change,” he declared regarding the Envelope Rule.
“I have a few ideas but I’m not going to tell you right now. I mean, the rule has to change. I think it’s obvious to everybody in the sports world, in this room. Nothing against Viktor. But that rule needs to change by the next Ryder Cup.”
Speaking about English’s withdrawal earlier that afternoon, Bradley told Sky Sports: “It’s tough. It’s a strange rule, but we’ve got to go with what the rules say. “[English] took it so well, I’m really proud of him.”
However, European captain Luke Donald defended the Envelope Rule, saying it exists for good reason. “I think it’s been in place since 1971,” he explained.
“The U.S. have used it before. I think it happened in 1991 with Steve Pate. That was a tight Ryder Cup, too, 141⁄2-131⁄2. It happened in 1993; Sam Torrance couldn’t play with an injured toe. The U.S. won that one. We have contracts for a reason, a captains’ agreement for a reason, for situations that occur.”
Focusing back on Hovland, Donald continued: “I want to centre it back to Viktor; I would have had absolute faith in him to deliver a point today. He couldn’t play. He was gutted. The rule is the rule and it’s been in place for a long time.”
Hovland, to his credit, voiced his disappointment at having to withdraw early from the Ryder Cup. “There is nothing more I would like to do than be out there representing Team Europe and trying to help them win the Ryder Cup today.
“Not being able to do so is pretty heartbreaking. I will be backing my team as hard as I can and rooting them on.”
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