Viktor Hovland blasted over ‘shameful’ Ryder Cup gesture after issuing statement | Golf | Sport

American golf enthusiasts have taken a swipe at Viktor Hovland after the Team Europe player gestured towards his injured neck during their Ryder Cup victory celebrations. The Norwegian golfer was forced to withdraw before Sunday’s singles session due to an old neck injury that flared up again. He participated in the Friday morning foursomes, enduring a loss alongside Robert MacIntyre against Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele.

However, the same European pair triumphed over Russell Henley and Scottie Scheffler on Saturday morning. They were then scheduled to compete against Cantlay and Sam Burns in the afternoon four-ball, but Tyrrell Hatton had to replace Hovland at the eleventh hour due to the injury. This problem subsequently benched the Norwegian from the Sunday singles.

His withdrawal meant that the 12th and final match, which was supposed to be against Harris English, was cancelled. Team USA captain Keegan Bradley decided to pull out English in case of any injury before the week started.

Team Europe triumphed by the slenderest of margins, with Hovland’s half-point proving decisive after the Americans mounted their fightback.

During the subsequent celebrations, the Norwegian made a gesture towards his neck before seizing his moment to lift the Ryder Cup trophy on the course. That particular gesture infuriated American spectators who witnessed the scenes.

One fan wrote on social media: “I’m sorry, but this whole Viktor Hovland neck injury stuff is such a stain on the Ryder Cup.

“Neck looks fine in the group photo, and then it looks like he puts on an acting job in the celebration with Team Europe and their fans. Dude got .5 for sitting out. That’s some liberal participation trophy nonsense.

“Also, I like Hovland. I’ve been a fan of his for a while, and don’t doubt he’s hurt, but awarding points for sitting out and then acting like he’s in a neck brace in celebration is just silly. At least give it a go like tennis players do.”

Another supporter questioned the seriousness of his condition: “So because Viktor Hovland slept on his neck awkwardly and couldn’t play, Europe was gifted a free .5 pt that won them the Ryder Cup? Sick league.”

Further detractors condemned the situation as “bull****” and “shameful”.

Hovland expressed his disappointment in a statement, saying: “Not being able to do so is pretty heartbreaking. I will be backing my team as hard as I can and rooting them on.”

Team Europe’s captain, Luke Donald, explained the situation further: “He started stiffening up yesterday morning. Tried to go out in the afternoon, but got worse and worse.

“Got an MRI last night. Really, really stiff this morning. Tried to go through his warm-up and just couldn’t play.

“So yeah, he’s devastated. He’s gutted. He wants to go out there and represent Team Europe. Yeah, it’s very, very unfortunate.”