Bradley Demands Ryder Cup Envelope Rule Change

At the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, Europe retained the Cup 15–13 after Viktor Hovland withdrew from Sunday singles with a neck injury, triggering the rarely used “envelope rule” that awarded each side a half point and forced U.S. captain Keegan Bradley’s pre‑nominated Harris English to sit out. Bradley said the rule “has to change” and urged alteration before the 2027 Ryder Cup, arguing the half point proved pivotal. European captain Luke Donald defended the long‑standing captains’ agreement and noted earlier applications of the envelope rule in 1991 and 1993. The envelope rule, in place since around 1971, was contrasted with the Solheim Cup practice of awarding a full point to an injured player’s opponent and has prompted debate over fairness. Hovland’s appearance in post‑match celebrations and gestures toward his neck drew criticism from some American fans, intensifying scrutiny of the incident and the rule.