Envelope rule could be invoked as Hovland injury looms for Ryder Cup finale
European lead grows to five points on day two at Bethpage; Viktor Hovland's injury has created the possibility that the secret envelope rule could be used for the first time in more than three decades.
Europe's team extended its lead to five points after Saturday's foursomes at Bethpage Black, tightening the pressure on the United States in the 45th Ryder Cup. Viktor Hovland withdrew from the Saturday afternoon session with a neck injury, casting doubt over whether he can play in Sunday's singles and opening the door, in theory, to the tournament's long-secret contingency known as the envelope rule.
Since 1979, captains are said to seal the name of one player in an envelope before Friday's first tee shot. If an opponent cannot field a player due to injury or illness, the sealed player would sit out the Sunday session and the teams would split the point. The contents are kept secret to spare players' feelings and to avoid public posturing. The envelope has been opened just twice in Ryder Cup history: 1991 at Kiawah Island and 1993 at The Belfry.
At Kiawah Island in 1991, European captain Bernard Gallacher was forced to reveal his chosen name when US rookie Steve Pate, sidelined by injuries from a car crash earlier in the week, could not play in a scheduled singles match against Bernhard Langer and Colin Montgomerie. Pate lost 2 and 1 in that pairing, and the moment underscored the rule's awkward purpose.
Two years later at The Belfry, the envelope was opened again when Sam Torrance, a European veteran, was unable to compete on Sunday because of an infected toe. The disclosure named Lanny Wadkins, the United States captain Tom Watson's designated envelope player; Wadkins had reportedly volunteered for the role and went on to help lift his team's chances despite the twist.
On Saturday NBC reported Hovland had been struggling in his foursomes, and Tyrrell Hatton was told to be ready to step in against Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay in the final fourball match. Hovland previously withdrew from the Travelers Championship in June with a neck issue, underscoring the uncertainty around his availability. Some observers note that Hovland could still be fit for Sunday's singles, which would avoid triggering the envelope rule this year.
As of the latest updates, the decision on Hovland's participation rests with the captains and medical staff, with Sunday’s singles looming as the moment that could force an extraordinary, rarely-used adjustment if needed. The envelope rule remains one of the sport's most delicate mechanisms—a relic designed to protect players' feelings and preserve the integrity of a highly public competition while balancing competitive fairness.