Ryder Cup player withdraws as 'envelope rule' triggered on final day

A top golf star has been forced to pull out of the 2025 Ryder Cup on the final day.

With just one day left to play in the 2025 Ryder Cup, it now looks almost certain that Team Europe will win and retain their trophy away from hom.

After a controversial day that saw American fans heckling European players during their rounds, the visitors are currently winning 11.5-4.5 with only the singles matches to be played.

Several of Europe's best players have reminded fans why they are among the best in the world, with England's Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood putting in standout performances.

But things have taken a bad turn for Team Europe, as one of their star players has been forced to withdraw from the competition ahead of the final day.

Team Europe are expected to defend their Ryder Cup crown

Ahead of his final day singles match, Europe's Viktor Hovland has been forced to pull out of the Ryder Cup due to a neck injury.

The Norwegian also missed Saturday's afternoon fourballs session at the Bethpage Black in New York and was set to play against Harris English later on Sunday.

Hovland's withdrawal means that, as per the 'Under the Ryder Cup Captains’ Agreement, his match against English will be treated as a tie.

This means that Europe now leads Team US 12-5 and therefore needs only two points to retain the Ryder Cup.

The news also means that the lesser-known ‘envelope rule’ allowing Team US captain Keegan Bradley to the select a player from his own team that he would like to withdraw from the competition to prevent one side having an additional player.

Therefore, English will also be withdrawn from the competition and not compete on the final day.

Viktor Hovland has withdrawn from the Ryder Cup. (Image: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Speaking on Saturday, before Hovland's absence was confirmed, Team Europe captain Luke Donald said: "He was feeling quite uncomfortable in the middle of the round this morning.

"He got some physio. He was given a lot of anti-inflammatories during the round.

"He finished. He was feeling okay. He went in to rest, and then he went back out to the range to try and hit some balls. And when he got to the driver, he hit one, and it was very painful."