Team USA supporters have called for another rule change after skipper Keegan Bradley’s gripe about injury regulations was mocked by the victorious Europeans. Bradley’s team suffered a 15-13 Ryder Cup defeat at the weekend as their remarkable comeback in the singles fell just short at Bethpage Black.
Each side received half a point before Sunday’s action due to the ‘envelope rule’, which is enforced in the event of injury. Bradley wasn’t happy when Viktor Hovland withdrew, which moved Europe half a point closer to retaining the trophy, with Harris English having to stand down. The Norwegian, who had received an MRI scan on Friday evening after experiencing discomfort on the opening day, was battling a neck issue and couldn’t play on Sunday.
Bradley said afterwards that he wanted the regulation amended when the Ryder Cup returns in 2027 at Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland, where Europe will have the opportunity to clinch a hat-trick of victories.
He said: “Yeah, it has to change. I have a few ideas but I’m not going to tell you right now. I mean, the rule has to change. I think it’s obvious to everybody in the sports world, in this room. Nothing against Viktor. But that rule needs to change by the next Ryder Cup.”
Bradley’s thoughts were ridiculed when they were relayed to Team Europe during their victors’ press conference, as they erupted into laughter. Triumphant captain Luke Donald responded: “I think it’s been in place since 1971. The US have used it before.
“I think it happened in 1991 with Steve Pate. That was a tight Ryder Cup, too, 14.5-13.5. It happened in 1993; Sam Torrance couldn’t play with an injured toe. The US won that one. We have contracts for a reason, a captains’ agreement for a reason, for situations that occur.
“I want to centre it back to Viktor; I would have had absolute faith in him to deliver a point today. He couldn’t play. He was gutted. The rule is the rule and it’s been in place for a long time.”
By that point, US fans had already been calling for another major rule change in the event of a tie, which was a possibility at one stage. A 14-14 draw would have kept the cup in European hands, given their win in Rome two years ago. In the end, the visitors just did enough to win outright.
Amid Sunday’s drama, some American fans called for that particular rule to be scrapped, with a play-off being suggested. One X user posted: “If it does end up 14-14, it’s a total disgrace that the holders retain the cup. A massive missed opportunity. Have a playoff with one shot per player until it’s decided.”
Another posted: “I agree the whole retaining the Ryder Cup is lame, if it happened to be tied 14-14 there should be a playoff.” And a third suggested: “The fact that the Ryder Cup can end in a tie is a travesty. Get the two best and let’s take it to a playoff hole. So dumb, no one likes tying.”
Those suggestions should come as no surprise as America’s main sports do not feature draws, only winners and losers. The Ryder Cup has been tied on just two occasions throughout its history, with the US retaining the trophy in 1969 and Team Europe doing the same in 1989.
