The spree of unexpected turns at the Ryder Cup is not stopping. The European team, which dominated the American side despite playing on home soil and with a home crowd, left with heartbreak.

Viktor Hovland has suffered a neck injury, which will keep him out of the match. In place of Hovland for now, Hatton will be playing with Matt Fitzpatrick. The official update shared, “Tyrrell Hatton will be substituted for Viktor Hovland in Match #4.Per item 3.c) in the Captains Agreement: For Foursome and Four-Ball: It is agreed that in the event of illness, injury or other emergency reason to a player selected to play in a match, he may be substituted by another member of the team previously not selected, prior to the commencement of this match.”

According to the commentators, Hovland’s neck had been hurting for the last four to five holes of the previous match. Further, the golfer talked with Donald on the 18th and decided on treatment. The golfer contributed to the team’s historic win with a victory in the first session’s foursomes.

Competing against Russell Henly and Scottie Scheffler, the European duo, Robert MacIntyre and Hovland, secured a 1-up win as the third on the morning session. This marks a new achievement for the team, as since 1979, no road-side team has ever won the first 3 sessions of the Ryder Cup. The last time it happened was in 1961, when America won at Royal Lytham. Although the great feat is achieved, the seriousness of the injury can bring trouble for the European side.

Well, this is not the first time Hovland has struggled with a neck injury. In June 2025, during the Travelers Championship, the golfer withdrew in the final round after two holes, citing neck pain/ soreness. After the injury, Hovland took a two-week break to get back on the course. At the Ryder Cup, if the injury requires such a prolonged rest, the envelope rule might come into play.

Envelope rule might come into play if Viktor Hovland’s injury persists

The injury to Hovland, which occurred during the Travelers Championship, was due to one tee shot when he felt a crack. Now, it is not known what the magnitude of the injury is, but he has withdrawn from the match on a precautionary basis. However, if the injury persists, the envelope rule will take effect on Sunday for the singles match.

As per the rules, both captains will write the name of a player and seal the envelope. Furthermore, in the event of injury or withdrawal, the injured player will be scheduled to play with the envelope player. To keep it fair, the match will be tied, and each team will earn half points. Interestingly, in the history of the Ryder Cup, the envelope rule has been used twice.

Back in 1991, the US team had an injury, which resulted in David Gilford as the envelope player to get matched halves. Two years later, in 1993, Sam Torrance of Europe injured his foot, and Lanny Wadkins had to take a half point for the team.

Now, with the 2025 edition, a similar situation has arrived. However, the captain will confirm the situation on Sunday and will have to wait until then. What do you think will happen? Share your predictions with us.