Two days, four sessions, and a sizeable seven-point European lead entering the Sunday Singles… It had nothing on Team USA’s home-field advantage on the final day. Dominating their matches, the American group won 6 and tied 5 of 12 competitions. However, one of those 5 ties, one that just might’ve helped them inch a little closer or perhaps make a historic comeback, came from the most disliked secret of the Ryder Cup– the Envelope rule.

After Team Europe’s Viktor Hovland withdrew from the Ryder Cup with a neck injury, American captain Keegan Bradley had to reveal the name of the one player he trusted the least and didn’t want to participate on Sunday– Harris English. Europe required only 2.5 points to retain the Ryder Cup entering the day and a half of those points came from the match 12 being tied, according to the Substitution Rule 3 (d) or the envelope rule. No wonder, as Justin Thomas heard the news, he wasn’t thrilled. Watching him, nor were the fans.

Golf Digest shared a video showing the moment when Thomas learned about Hovland’s withdrawal. That means Team USA’s Harris English will also have to skip the Sunday Singles match, and their contest will be tied. Although the Europeans were in a good enough lead, the fact that the Americans won’t be able to contest for the point met the 2-time major winner’s disapproval. While practicing before Sunday tee-off, he took a good 26 seconds to express his displeasure as he discussed the case with his caddie. He then returned to practicing his swing.

Here is his reaction caught on camera:

Although he would also be sad seeing another player go down with an injury, he was also thinking about his team. Still, fans were surprised to see Thomas’ displeasure. Being a Ryder Cup veteran, he must already be aware of the envelope rule. He must have already anticipated Hovland’s withdrawal after his MRI scan, which resulted in the enforcement of the substitution after over 30 years.

Previously, in 1993, when Europe’s Sam Torrance couldn’t play due to a sore left foot, American veteran Lanny Wadkins volunteered himself for the envelope. This selfless act made the then-Captain Tom Watson’s job significantly easier. However, for Bradley, things didn’t go down well.

The Norwegian pro wasn’t thrilled either to not stand tall with his team, but Team USA’s reaction was understandable to a point. Even Bradley said, “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.”

In fact, it’s so unusual that the fans couldn’t help but question Justin Thomas’s reaction.

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Netizens wonder what Justin Thomas was expecting when he learned about Viktor Hovland’s injury

This is the 4th time Justin Thomas is playing in the Ryder Cup. But considering the trouble Team U.S. was in, we can also see why he reacted the way he did. But the spectators did not. One fan bluntly advised him, “Be grateful for the half point…” Harris English has not performed well at Bethpage, losing two of his previous matches. And hence, for the fans, that half point was still better than losing the entire match.

Another fan had similar views, “He should be grateful, that’s an extra 0.5 points that they weren’t gonna get 😂.” Looks like there is a common belief in the community that if Hovland & English had faced off, then the European pro would have definitely won the match. Numbers back the thoughts. English has lost both of his foursomes matchups while Hovland has won both.

In fact, some also think that an injured Viktor could have bested English at Bethpage: “Hovland would’ve gone 10 & 8 against Harris with his neck detached.”Wouldn’t that be a spectacle to watch? Unfortunately, Hovland decided not to take that risk, or we would have certainly seen one of the worst matches in the entire tournament.

Despite battling a persistent neck injury that forced him to withdraw from the crucial Sunday singles at the Ryder Cup, Hovland had contributed significantly to Team Europe’s success with a 2-0-1 record in the event and vital wins in foursomes. Harris English, on the other hand, had a less impactful Ryder Cup week, 0-2-1.

Someone pointed out a hilarious fact about Team U.S.’s current situation at Bethpage: “Should be pleased they’re guaranteed a 1/2. Hovland just gave them 10% of their points.” The 0.5 points they earned pushed their score to a total of 5 points.

Interestingly, this also ensured that English contributed some points to Team U.S.’s total score, even though in reality, he didn’t actually play for it. And that is exactly what a fan also pointed out as they wrote, “Don’t know why he’s upset, that’s the only way Harris fucking English is going to put any points on the board.”

After the defeat in their homeland, Team USA sat in front of the reporters with a somber look on their faces. But it is important to note that the rule has been a part of the competition for decades, and if the team performed well from the beginning, this situation wouldn’t have come. Still, do you think the rule should change?