Overview
- Hovland withdrew from Ryder Cup singles at Bethpage Black after an MRI showed a bulging disc in his neck, triggering the Envelope Rule and a halved match with Harris English.
- He said the experience was “pretty upsetting” and expressed regret that English lost the chance to play despite being healthy.
- He argued that awarding a full point or introducing alternates could be exploited strategically, citing the risk of using an injured player as a sacrificial matchup.
- The rule has been part of the captains’ agreement since 1979 and is rarely used, with U.S. captain Keegan Bradley urging a change and Europe’s Luke Donald backing the status quo.
- After about a week and a half of rest, Hovland is competing at the DP World India Championship while managing his neck and limiting drivers, which he said aggravate the injury.