But their hopes of victory took a knock on Saturday following the news that Hovland had reaggravated a pre-existing neck injury, rendering him unable to participate in the day two four-ball session. Tyrell Hatton was called up in his place.
Speaking after withdrawing, Hovland told reporters: “I’ve had some issues with a neck injury on and off for the last two months.
“I took some painkillers on the seventh hole and then got some treatment from Matt Roberts, the physio, on the tenth tee box. It stayed the same for the remainder of the match after that.
“I came in and rested up and got some more treatment and when I went back out onto the range, I tried hitting some shots trying to build up to the driver.
“I hit three or four hard ones and it just got worse. I didn’t want to risk it.
“I’m going to get some treatment and hopefully I will be OK for the singles.”
Will Viktor Hovland play on Sunday at the Ryder Cup?
Hovland’s involvement in Sunday’s singles session remains in doubt, though he has been named to play.
But he could still be sidelined after Donald confirmed he would undergo an MRI scan on Saturday night.
Playing through the pain: Viktor Hovland impressed on Saturday morning before withdrawing from the four-ball session
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“He is on his way now to go get an MRI another 20, 30 minutes away, and we’ll see in the morning what he’s like.
“It’s definitely stiffened up a little bit. He would love to play, and he’ll do everything he can to play.”
A decision will be made today as to whether he can play.
What will happen if Viktor Hovland withdraws?
Should Hovland withdraw, the little-known ‘envelope rule’ will be called into action.
When captains make their singles selections, they hand in a sealed envelope containing the name of one of their players.
If a golfer withdraws, the opposition’s envelope is opened, and the named player will also sit out of the singles. Their match is halved.
If no player withdraws, the envelope remains sealed.
The envelope rule was last utilised in 1993, when Sam Torrance pulled out with a foot injury.
