EUROPE were forced to make a late change to the line-up for Saturday’s foursomes after an injury blow – and it could force the USA to activate the little-known “envelope rule”.
Tyrrell Hatton was drafted in as a replacement by European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald after Viktor Hovland suffered a neck injury.
PATyrrell Hatton was drafted into the Saturday afternoon fourballs as a late replacement[/caption]
EPAViktor Hovland suffered a neck injury and was forced to pull out[/caption]
The 33-year-old took part in the final game of Saturday afternoon alongside Matt Fitzpatrick.
Hovland played in the morning foursomes on Saturday as Europe extended their lead.
But his withdrawal was announced just minutes before the fourth and final Saturday afternoon tee off.
It’s unclear how serious Hovland’s injury is and whether it will force him to miss Sunday.
All 12 players in a Ryder Cup team are scheduled to play singles.
Should Hovland be unavailable to play on Sunday, then a little-known rule could be enforced.
The envelope rule was introduced in 1979.
Each captain is forced to place the name of one player into an envelope who will miss out to level things up if the oppostion has to withdraw a player.
The player in the envelope if the one who the captain is most comfortable with missing out in a worst-case scenario when .
It must be submitted before the end of Saturday’s evening play.
The envelope has only needed to be opened twice in history – in 1991 and 1993.
Hovland played with Robert MacIntyre earlier on Saturday.
The European pair beat Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley in a game that went all the way to the 18th hole.
How to watch the 2025 Ryder Cup
*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue
THE 45th Ryder Cup takes place from September 26-28 with the US team desperate to wrestle back the crown from Europe.
Scottie Scheffler and the American side will battle Rory McIlroy’s European team in New York.
The infamous Bethpage Black course will be the venue for the latest edition of the pulsating golf tournament.
NBC will broadcast the competition in it’s entirety in the United States.
Friday’s foursomes and fourballs will be live on USA Network from 7 am ET to 6 pm ET.
Saturday’s action will take place during the same hours live on NBC.
And Sunday’s singles will also be on NBC from 12 pm ET to 6 pm ET.
Fans can sign up to Fubo TV by CLICKING HERE and watch the Ryder Cup through NBC’s channels.
Their victory gave Europe a commanding 8.5-3.5 lead in New York going into the fourballs.
Donald’s team extended their overnight advantage with a 3-1 morning session victory.
Hatton was preparing to have an afternoon off having also played in Saturday’s foursomes.
He teamed up with Jon Rahm to beat Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay.
Europe needs to reach 14 points to retain the Ryder Cup after victory in Rome two years ago.
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
