Overview

• Team Europe’s medical chief said an MRI verified a flare-up of a neck disc bulge, and Viktor Hovland could not rotate or flex his neck enough to compete after attempting to warm up.
• The sealed-envelope provision was activated, naming Harris English as the U.S. player to sit, and the scheduled singles match was recorded as a half-point for each side.
• Harris English said he was told less than an hour before the session that he would not play, noted a supportive text from Hovland, and suggested officials reassess the rule.
• U.S. captain Keegan Bradley urged changes to the envelope rule, while Europe’s Luke Donald defended its decades-long use and cited prior precedent involving Steve Pate.
• On-course reactions included Justin Thomas appearing visibly frustrated on the range, and Europe went on to win 15-13 at Bethpage Black to retain the Ryder Cup.