The Ryder Cup ended with Europe celebrating a historic win on American soil, but instead of just cheers and champagne, Viktor Hovland found himself at the center of a storm.
The Norwegian golfer angered U.S. fans when, during the victory celebrations, he jokingly pointed to his neck — a gesture that many took as rubbing salt in the wound after his injury forced him to withdraw from singles play.
Hovland’s Injury and Sudden Withdrawal
Hovland had been battling a neck problem for two months, and while he starred in Saturday’s morning foursomes alongside Bob MacIntyre — defeating Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley — he pulled out of the afternoon fourballs at the last minute.
The same injury then forced him to withdraw from Sunday’s singles, triggering the rarely used “secret envelope” rule.
This protocol, in place since 1979, allows captains to name one player ahead of the singles who would sit out if an opposing player is injured.
With Hovland out, U.S. captain Keegan Bradley’s designated player, Felix English, was also benched.
The result was a half-point for each team, nudging Europe closer to the finish line.
A Crucial Half-Point
At the time, Europe already held a dominant 12–5 lead, so the split point seemed insignificant.
But as the final matches played out, it became clear that the half-point was more valuable than expected.
The U.S. mounted a fierce comeback, winning six of the singles matches, while only Ludvig Åberg secured a win for Europe.
Ultimately, Europe edged out a 15–13 victory, securing their first away Ryder Cup win in 13 years.
American Fans Cry Foul
Despite the official medical confirmation of Hovland’s injury, many American fans weren’t buying it.
Social media lit up with criticism, accusing him of play-acting and mocking his celebrations.
Some suggested he had earned “a participation trophy half-point,” while others circulated memes of Hovland celebrating in a neck brace.
One fan vented online: “Neck looks fine in the photo, then suddenly he’s playing it up in celebrations.
Dude got half a point for sitting out — that’s nonsense.” Another added bluntly: “It’s a miracle. Viktor is healed.”
Bradley Demands Change
Adding fuel to the fire, U.S. captain Keegan Bradley joined the critics, insisting the rules need an overhaul.
“It has to change,” Bradley said after the loss. “Nothing against Viktor, but that rule needs to be gone by the next Ryder Cup.”
Europe Defends the Rule
Team Europe captain Luke Donald pushed back, reminding critics that the envelope system has long been part of the Ryder Cup.
He pointed out that both sides had benefitted from it in the past — citing 1991, when the U.S. used it after Steve Pate’s injury, and 1993, when Sam Torrance sat out with a broken toe.
“The rule is the rule,” Donald emphasized. “It’s there for a reason.
Viktor couldn’t play, and he was devastated about it.”
Medical Confirmation
To silence speculation, Team Europe’s chief medical officer, Dr. Andrew Murray, confirmed that an MRI revealed a flare-up of a previous disk bulge in Hovland’s neck.
The injury left him unable to rotate or flex properly, making it impossible to compete in singles.
Hovland himself admitted it was gutting:
“There’s nothing I wanted more than to be out there helping my team.
Not being able to do so is heartbreaking. I just had to support them from the sidelines.”