The 1993 Ryder Cup at The Belfry witnessed one of golf’s most unusual moments. Sam Torrance couldn’t compete in Sunday singles due to an infected toe. Lanny Wadkins voluntarily sacrificed his match from the American envelope. Both teams received half points in a rarely-used protocol that most fans had forgotten.

Thirty-two years later, that same Envelope Rule suddenly became relevant again at Bethpage Black. Luke Donald delivered sobering news during Saturday’s post-game press conference that could trigger the uncomfortable tradition once more. The European captain’s detailed medical update about Viktor Hovland revealed a developing crisis.

The question came directly. “Could you give us a status on Viktor?” Donald’s response painted a troubling picture about Hovland’s condition. The Norwegian felt uncomfortable during the middle of Saturday morning’s round. He received physiotherapy treatment. Anti-inflammatory medication followed during play.

“He finished. He was feeling okay,” Donald explained. “He went in to rest, and then he went back out to the range to try and hit some balls.” That’s when everything changed. Hovland grabbed his driver. The first swing brought pain. The second swing made it worse.

“It was at that point that he thought, you know, I’m not going to be able to play to the level that I think I can,” Donald continued. The captain made a last-minute decision. Tyrrell Hatton literally warmed up for ten minutes. They knew withdrawal was possible. They hoped Hovland would play.

Donald then delivered the directive that could alter Sunday’s anchor match. “He is on his way now to go get an MRI, another 20, 30 minutes away, and we’ll see in the morning what he’s like.” The neck had stiffened. Hovland wants to play. He’ll do everything possible to compete.

The envelope rule looms large

This injury triggers golf’s most uncomfortable protocol. Each captain places one player’s name in a sealed envelope before singles begin. If Hovland withdraws, Keegan Bradley’s envelope selection is automatically revoked. Both matches ended in ties. Each team receives half a point.

The rule dates back to 1979. Only three previous uses exist. Mark James withdrew that year with a chest cartilage injury. Gil Morgan sat out of the American envelope. The 1991 Ryder Cup saw Steve Pate’s car accident sideline David Gilford. Torrance’s situation in 1993 marked the most recent activation.

Bradley faces a strategic nightmare. He must choose someone unlikely to win their match. That player’s confidence could shatter if the selection becomes known. Commentators noted that Hovland’s discomfort had been building over the final holes of his morning victory with Robert MacIntyre.

Matt Roberts leads Europe’s physiotherapy team. The chartered physiotherapist has over 20 years of experience in elite sports. His company, Elitus Sports Medicine, treats all patients like elite athletes. Roberts administered on-course treatment during Hovland’s deteriorating condition.

The medical team applied multiple interventions. Painkillers came on the seventh hole. Physiotherapy treatment followed on the tenth tee. Post-round assessment and therapy continued. Saturday night’s MRI provided a detailed diagnosis. However, none prevented the disaster of the range session.

Europe’s medical protocols reflect the reality of tournament life. Players push through pain during majors. The Ryder Cup amplifies that pressure. Hovland’s neck issues have been ongoing for months. He withdrew from June’s Travelers Championship after two holes. The same injury now threatens his anchor match against Harris English.

Sunday’s 2:03 PM ET showdown hangs in the balance. Europe needs 2.5 points from twelve singles matches. Donald’s MRI directive holds the key to Sunday’s final chapter.