Ryder Cup: Hovland Injury Hands Europe Momentum,Team Now two Points From Victory
FARMINGDALE,N.Y. – A significant blow to the American team, coupled with a pre-tournament contingency plan, has dramatically shifted the momentum in favor of europe at the Ryder Cup. Norwegian star Viktor Hovland was forced to withdraw from SundayS singles matches due to a re-aggravated neck injury, awarding a half-point to the U.S. team but simultaneously bringing Europe within two points of retaining the coveted trophy.
The current scoreboard reads Europe 12, U.S.5, with 11 crucial singles matches scheduled to tee off at 12:02 p.m. local time.
The unusual situation stems from a Ryder Cup rule requiring each team to submit a player’s name in a sealed envelope prior to the start of singles play, anticipating potential injuries. This protocol, enacted in case of unforeseen circumstances, hadn’t been utilized since 1991. The captains’ agreement dictates that in the event of a withdrawal, the affected match results in a halved point for both sides.
“There is nothing more I would like to do than be out there representing Team Europe and trying to help them win the Ryder Cup today,” a heartbroken Hovland stated. “Not being able to do so is pretty heartbreaking. I will be backing my team as hard as I can and rooting them on.”
hovland had been managing a neck issue for the past two months.He was a late scratch during Saturday afternoon’s fourballs session, replaced by tyrrell Hatton, who went on to secure a vital win alongside Matt Fitzpatrick. An MRI conducted Saturday night confirmed a re-aggravation of a bulging disc in his neck, leaving him unable to move his neck freely.
The withdrawal impacts American player Harris English,who automatically qualified for his second Ryder Cup appearance. English entered Sunday with an 0-2 record in foursomes play and will now receive a half-point without competing in the singles matches.
With a narrow lead, Europe will look to capitalize on the shift in momentum as the final matches get underway, needing just 2.5 points to secure victory at Bethpage Black. The U.S. team faces an uphill battle, needing a dominant performance in the remaining singles matches to mount a comeback.
Keywords: Ryder Cup, Viktor Hovland, Harris English, Europe, USA, Golf, Injury, Bethpage Black, Ryder Cup 2023, Sports News.
