Sunday singles at the 2025 Ryder Cup was an exhilarating day of golf, which was almost tarnished by a controversial rule.
Team USA were close to completing the biggest comeback in Ryder Cup history at Bethpage Black. They won 8.5 points on the final day, clawing themselves back into contention after European dominance over the first two days.
Their chances of a historic comeback were dented before play had even begun on Sunday. Viktor Hovland was forced to withdraw due to a neck injury, triggering the Ryder Cup’s “envelope rule”.
Keegan Bradley was required to put one of his players’ names into an envelope prior to the Ryder Cup; that player would sit out the Sunday singles in the event of a European injury. Harris English was the unlucky man who shared a half-point with Hovland.
Bradley demanded a change to the rule after the tournament, and some even went as far as to accuse Luke Donald of foul play.
Paul Azinger demands a change to the envelope rule
As the results came in on Sunday, it looked more and more likely that Hovland’s half point would decide the Ryder Cup. In the end, that wasn’t the case, as Europe won 15-13, needing 14.5 points to win.
However, Sunday’s controversial development prompted 12-time PGA Tour winner Paul Azinger to suggest a change to the rule moving forward.
Speaking on SubPar, he said, “I almost feel like if you can’t field a player and he has to scratch, then the full point goes to the other team. To make it a half point for both. I understand the good nature of it all, but it’s not a good-natured competition as much anymore as it used to be.
“I feel like really if you have a guy who cannot play then that’s too bad. I feel like that rule should change. If you have to scratch a guy you lose the point.
“It was too much chess today. That felt like a chess move. Viktor doesn’t want to risk it. I would never question Viktor, I love that guy. He’s like my favourite player but if you have that big a lead…”
In Hovland’s defence, he pulled out of Saturday’s fourball the day before, replaced by Tyrrell Hatton. Hovland said he was suffering from the injury throughout the back nine and had to pull out of the Travelers Championship earlier in the year because of it.
The way Hovland celebrated a clutch putt against Scottie Scheffler on Saturday called into question the severity of his injury, but that could well have been the most adrenaline-pumped moment of his life. It’s easier to overcome pain after an incredible moment such as that.
Donald said Hovland was devastated not to play, and to suggest foul play for the European side does a disservice to them after the way they conducted themselves throughout the week.
Paul Azinger comments on whether a tie should retain the Ryder Cup
The European celebrations began when Shane Lowry holed a putt against Russell Henley on the 18th. His half-point brought Europe’s tally to 14, confirming at least a tie, which meant Europe retained the Ryder Cup as reigning champions.
A tie is an unsatisfying result in any sporting contest, and Europe went on to win the tournament anyway. However, Azinger was asked whether a tie should result in the retention of the trophy for the most recent champions.
He answered: “I like the tie aspect of it. That’s okay. If you hold the cup you have a half a point advantage. That’s just the way it’s going to be.
“Unfortunately, Europe generally has a one or two percent advantage on us anyway because of how they are bonded by nationality and blood and in small groups. Those guys do hang out, they love each other, you can tell from the way they react.
“Together, they are unbelievable. On their own, they are vulnerable.”
Sunday’s result evidenced his point. The Americans, who had been dismantled all week, dominated once the team event had concluded. That should lead to some real introspection about the role of Team USA moving forward.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
