Keegan Bradley calls for Ryder Cup rule change after Team Europe win | Golf | Sport
Team USA captain Keegan Bradley has called for a rarely-used Ryder Cup rule to be scrapped following the next edition of the biennial tournament. Approximately 30 minutes before Sunday’s singles session began, Viktor Hovland was compelled to withdraw from competition due to a neck injury sustained during Saturday’s fourball session.
Under the ‘Envelope Rule’, the American team was also obliged to remove a player, with Bradley choosing to withdraw Ryder Cup debutant Harris English. Before each Ryder Cup commences, both team captains record the name of one player who will automatically be pulled from Sunday’s session should an opponent suffer an injury. This slip of paper is then sealed within an envelope, opened only when circumstances require it.
Following Hovland’s withdrawal, Team Europe and USA were each granted half a point going into Sunday. The missed chance to claim 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 insisted that modifications must be made to the competition’s regulations.
“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 earlier withdrawal, 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 skipper Luke Donald insisted the Envelope Rule 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. 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 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,” he declared. “Not being able to do so is pretty heartbreaking. I will be backing my team as hard as I can and rooting them on.”
