Golf fans have called for a Ryder Cup regulation change after the little-known ‘envelope’ rule was used for just the third time in the tournament’s history.
Europe headed into day three of the tournament seven points ahead of Team USA with a commanding 11.5-4.5 lead after the opening two days of action in New York.
The 45th Ryder Cup has been shrouded in controversy with US-favouring hecklers aiming digs and at times crossing the line by verbally abusing Europe’s players – namely Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, who hit back with expletive replies of their own.
One PGA host has even been forced to step down from her role after leading a vulgar chant about McIlroy on day two.
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Other reports claim that the Northern Irish player’s wife, Erica Stoll, was in tears after one fan decided to throw beer at the five-time major winner as he approached the 17th green, causing McIlroy to pause before ushering Stoll away from the scene.
And in typical Ryder Cup fashion, the drama has continued into day three with a European player being forced to pull out of the tournament, meaning the ‘envelope rule’ has been used for just the third time.
When the two captains confirm their line-ups for day three, they also hand over a sealed envelope containing the name of a player.
Then, the named player would have to sit out of the singles matchups.
The rule was previously enforced in 1991 when Steve Pate was injured in a car crash ahead of the Ryder Cup, as well as in 1993 when Sam Torrance could not play due to an infected toe.
A neck injury to Viktor Hovland means he will be forced to watch on as his teammates aim for glory.
The 28-year-old reportedly had an MRI scan on his neck following the foursomes victory with Robert MacIntyre against Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley.
"I've had some issues with a neck injury on and off for the last two months," said Hovland on Saturday.
"I'm going to get some treatment and hopefully I will be OK for the singles."
However, European captain, Luke Donald, confirmed that the Norwegian “just couldn’t play” despite his best efforts.
"He's devastated,” Donald told Sky Sports. “He's gutted. He really wanted to represent Team Europe in the singles, so it is very, very unfortunate."
Harris English is forced to miss the session for the US, with each team awarded a half point, taking the scores to 5-12 in favour of Europe. The away side needs just two points from 11 matches on Sunday.
But some fans think the rule should be altered.
One said: “Am I crazy or should the team with the injured player forfeit the match…?”
Another added: “So if someone is getting beat down, they can withdraw with an injury to get 1/2 point and not lose the full point? Also crazy to not have a 13th player as an assistant captain for this scenario.”
A third claimed: “So if a team needed a half point to win, they could just feign an injury?”
Topics: Ryder Cup, Golf, Rory Mcilroy
Luke Davies