Hovland withdraws from Ryder Cup fourballs with neck injury

Viktor Hovland has withdrawn from his fourballs match at the Ryder Cup with a neck injury, the latest injury scare to hit the European team. The Norwegian star, 28, was due to partner Matt Fitzpatrick against Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay in the last contest of the day at Bethpage Black in New York, but pulled out moments before they were due on the tee. Tyrell Hatton was summoned to replace him, with the move confirmed as play was set to start. The European side had built an 8.5-3.5 lead heading into the fourball session.

Hovland had already contributed a point for Europe earlier, partnering Robert MacIntyre to victory over Russell Henley and Scottie Scheffler in the final foursomes match of the morning session. NBC reported that Hovland had been struggling in his foursomes outing and that the European team had been monitoring the neck issue; Hatton was told to be prepared to step in, according to the broadcaster.

With Hovland out, Hatton will join Fitzpatrick in the fourball lineup against Burns and Cantlay, a move that preserves Europe’s lead and tests depth at Bethpage Black. The afternoon schedule keeps fourball matches as the day’s final fixtures, and the result of those matches will influence the overall standings heading into the weekend.

The episode underscores the physical demands of the Ryder Cup and the logistical challenges of immediate lineup changes, especially on a course as demanding as Bethpage Black. More updates are expected as play continues and details on the injury status become clearer.