Bradley demands changes to the Ryder Cup rule after the defeat

Ryder Cup Controversy: Should It Change?

Following Europe’s victory over the United States in the 45th Ryder Cup, American captain Keegan Bradley has expressed his desire to modify the rule affecting injured players. However, Luke Donald, European captain, defends the current rule, arguing that it protects the players. The rule in question obliges each team to name a player in a sealed envelope on Saturday night. This player would not participate in the event that a golfer from the opposing team suffered an injury. This rule was applied on the final day, when Viktor Hovland was forced to withdraw due to a neck injury.

The rule is the rule and it has been in place for a long time.

Luke Donald

Hovland, who was due to face Harris English, had to withdraw, and English, the player designated by Bradley, was unable to participate. Bradley believes the rule “has to change,” but did not specify how. The most obvious option would be for the injured player’s team to lose a full point instead of half a point.

The rule has to change. I think it’s obvious to everyone in the sports world.

Keegan Bradley

Donald recalled that the United States benefited from this rule at the 1991 Ryder Cup, when Steve Pate was injured and unable to play. Had the loss of a full point been applied, Europe would have won the cup. Hovland, after an MRI, woke up on Sunday with neck problems that prevented him from playing. “Not being able to play is heartbreaking,” Hovland stated.

Description: Viktor Hovland celebrates with teammate Jon Rahm after Europe’s victory on Sunday. Hovland was unable to play singles due to a neck injury. Hovland had been dealing with neck problems for the past few months and felt the pain during his foursomes match on Saturday morning. He received treatment on the course, but the pain persisted. Dr. Andrew Murray, chief medical officer for Ryder Cup Europe, confirmed a neck problem that made his participation in singles impossible. Hovland was replaced by Tyrrell Hatton in Saturday’s four-ball match.