EUROPE have suffered a major injury blow with Viktor Hovland forced to pull out of the Ryder Cup through injury.
But it has seen Luke Donald’s side move even closer to the win due to a little-known ‘envelope’ rule.
That hasn’t been used in 32 years, and only seen twice in history, in 1991 and 1993.
The two teams now share half a point, which means Europe are now leading the US, 12-5.
It is understood Hovland has been dealing with a neck problem, picked up on Saturday.
He was due to play Harris English in the singles matches on Sunday afternoon.
Both men will now not play and will cheer their teams on from the sides of the course.
“Viktor Hovland from Team Europe is unable to play in the Sunday Singles Matches due to injury,” the PGA of America said in a statement.
“The substitution Rule 3.d) of the Ryder Cup Captains’ Agreement requires each Team Captain to provide the name of one player, in the sealed envelope, who will not play in the case of an injury to a member of the other team.
“The USA Team player is Harris English and under the Ryder Cup Captains’ Agreement the Match between Viktor Hovland and Harris English.”
Hovland revealed his devastation over the news in a statement on Sunday morning.
“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,” he said.
“Not being able to do so is pretty heartbreaking.
“I will be backing my team as hard as I can and rooting them on.”
Hovland has been dealing with the neck injury since pulling out of the Travelers Championship in June.
It is said to be a recurrence of that issue, which has flared up under the strain of the intense golf at Bethpage Black, New York.
The 3d Ryder Cup rule in full
Here’s the PGA of America rule in full:
3.d) When the Captain’s lodge their team selection for singles play, they must provide a sealed envelope containing the name of one player who is regarded as having been paired with a player who, through illness, injury or other emergency reason, has to withdraw from the other side. Such pairing is regarded as a tied match. If this requires the re-pairing of a match, this will be done down the order of the play.
The Norwegian was treated during the Saturday morning foursomes.
He was then unable to play in the four-balls in the afternoon.
Englishman Tyrrell Hatton came in as a last-minute replacement.
He teamed up with Matt Fitzpatrick, who went on to beat Sam Burns and Patrick Cantley on the final hole.
RYDER CUP 2025 LIVE: FOLLOW ALL THE LATEST FROM BETHPAGE BLACK
Hovland had an MRI scan on Saturday night in a local New York hospital.
The 28-year-old then woke up on Sunday morning unable to move his neck.
He arrived at the course this morning, and tried to warm up.
However, he limited movement has forced him to pull out of the English match, due off at 2.03pm.
“Viktor’s pain started during the morning foursomes, where he received treatment and medication from the physio and medical team on course during the match,” said Dr Andrew Murray, Ryder Cup Europe’s Chief Medical Officer.
“Following this he attempted to warm up for Saturday fourballs, but experienced increasing pain while swinging a golf club, and a lack of range of movement in his neck and withdrew, being replaced by Tyrrell Hatton.
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“An MRI was arranged following liaison between Team Europe and PGA of America on-site medical team, which confirmed a flare up of a previous injury – a disc bulge in his neck by a medical imaging specialist.
“This morning, Viktor received ongoing treatment but unfortunately he is not able to rotate or flex his neck to one side making playing the singles impossible.”
How to watch the 2025 Ryder Cup
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THE 45th Ryder Cup takes place from September 26-28 with the US team desperate to wrestle back the crown from Europe.
Scottie Scheffler and the American side will battle Rory McIlroy’s European team in New York.
The infamous Bethpage Black course will be the venue for the latest edition of the pulsating golf tournament.
NBC will broadcast the competition in it’s entirety in the United States.
Friday’s foursomes and fourballs will be live on USA Network from 7 am ET to 6 pm ET.
Saturday’s action will take place during the same hours live on NBC.
And Sunday’s singles will also be on NBC from 12 pm ET to 6 pm ET.
Fans can sign up to Fubo TV by CLICKING HERE and watch the Ryder Cup through NBC’s channels.
