Keegan Bradley called for a significant alteration to the Ryder Cup envelope rule, which sparked laughter among Team Europe upon hearing his remarks. The rarely used rule was activated on Sunday morning following European player Viktor Hovland’s withdrawal due to injury.
Hovland, who had undergone an MRI scan after experiencing discomfort, cited a neck issue that hindered his ability to continue competing. Consequently, his scheduled singles match against Harris English was canceled, and both teams were each awarded half a point.
The outcome of the Ryder Cup, with Team Europe prevailing 15 to 13, left many Americans dissatisfied, especially as Hovland participated in the celebrations alongside the European team. During a USA press conference, Bradley expressed his firm belief that the envelope rule must be modified before the next Ryder Cup.
In response to Bradley’s stance, Team Europe burst into laughter during their press conference, with winning captain Luke Donald dismissing Bradley’s call for change by highlighting historical instances where the rule had been utilized. Donald emphasized the importance of honoring contracts and captains’ agreements in such circumstances.
Ahead of the final day’s play, Team Europe issued a statement on behalf of Hovland expressing his regret for not being able to compete and his continued support for the team. Looking towards the 2027 Ryder Cup, Bradley is hopeful that his suggested changes to the rule will be implemented, although his leadership role for the USA team remains uncertain.
The upcoming Ryder Cup in 2027 will take place at Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland, providing Europe with an opportunity to secure a third consecutive victory. As anticipation builds for the next showdown between Europe and the USA in New York, the significance of the Ryder Cup in creating memorable moments and legendary figures is underscored by the words of Tom Watson.
To delve deeper into the rich history of the Ryder Cup and its esteemed figures, you can purchase a special edition for £3.50 by clicking the link provided.