The fallout from the Ryder Cup has continued in earnest and now the PGA of America have been slammed by a TOUR winner over their rulings.
Europe won out at Bethpage Black last weekend but the event was shrouded in controversy.
There was plenty to talk about when it came to the fans on the course and while the quality of golf on display was world class, it unfortunately got overshadowed at times.
One of the big talking points after Europe’s win was the ‘envelope rule’ which saw Viktor Hovland ruled out through injury and Harris English forced to step aside, with both teams getting a half point.
In the end, it didn’t quite matter as Europe did enough to win out without it but it’s left a sour taste in the mouth of Keegan Bradley, who has now seemingly been backed by former PGA Tour winner Ben Crane.
Ben Crane calls on the PGA of America to change ‘terrible rule’ at the Ryder Cup
The envelope rule has been around for some time now and both teams have used it to their advantage over the years.
However, in the modern era, it does seem a touch over the top and speaking on the Bible Caddie YouTube show, Ben Crane has called for change.
“In my opinion, and this is not a slight on anything other than the PGA’s rule, is that the envelope rule because somebody can’t play because they’re injured we give them a half point. I know the US has used and Europe have used it, but it’s such a terrible rule.
“Liken it to this. If an NBA player scores 18 points per game and he is hurt, and we know this is a game of health and all that, we don’t take nine points and put them on the board before we start the game.
That is not the way this goes. This is a competition at the highest level and if someone can’t go, then someone else has to substitute in.
“It’s a forfeit of a full point and, by the way, if we forfeit the whole point if you don’t have someone else there, and obviously we would carry alternates if that was the case, but if that is the situation then the US probably wins the Ryder Cup and it would have been the greatest comeback of all time.
“It’s just that I think that’s the most frustrating rule. I think the PGA of America has to clean that up.
The other thing I think you need to clean up, a small thing but it’s also a big thing, is that the Presidents Cup has a better rule about picking players and putting matches out.
“The US goes first and then Europe and putting your line-ups up there is more fun. Whereas the Ryder Cup just posts them all and posts them all and we see who is playing who.
“When Harris English has worked his whole life to play at the highest level and make this team and then he finds out that he does not get to go out on Sunday in singles and do something for his country. Come on! PGA of America, this is the worst rule I have ever seen.”
- READ MORE: The PGA Tour must bring in new rule for the 2026 season after Rory McIlroy’s behavior this year
Webb Simpson says why the envelope rule is so frustrating
Of course, one man who was close to the action at Bethpage was Webb Simpson.
As one of the vice-captains, he had a front row seat to everything and speaking alongside Crane on the same show, Simpson admitted it had been hugely frustrating for the USA.
“The frustrating thing is that part of being healthy is part of our hard work. I’m not saying that Viktor is not a hard worker. I hurt my neck and I didn’t hurt my neck by a lack of work,” Simpson said.
“But, again, it’s a piece of the puzzle which allows us to be ready to play is our health. It’s like another club in the bag. I know he had neck issues, I’m not saying that he didn’t, for the record. I’m just saying the rule is bad.
“My thought is that it’s either a forfeit full point or it’s a forfeit half point. Even if it’s not a full point, Harris English gets half a point and he gets none.”
With the 2027 event set to be held in Ireland, there is a chance for the Ryder Cup to make some positive changes, with this ruling one of them.
However, given how long things can take to pan out in golf, don’t hold your breath on it being done before Adare Manor.
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