Viktor Hovland from Norway had to pull out of the Ryder Cup singles match on Sunday due to a neck injury. This meant that his team and the U.S. team split the point from one of the matches. Hovland had already missed out on a four-ball match the day before. After feeling pain during his Saturday match, he got an MRI that evening, which revealed issues with his neck.
He woke up on Sunday unable to move his neck at all. In a heartfelt statement, he expressed his disappointment. “There’s nothing more I would like to do than be out there representing Team Europe,” he said. Hovland was determined to support his teammates as much as he could from the sidelines.
According to Ryder Cup officials, Hovland attempted to warm up but found he had limited movement. Dr. Andrew Murray, the chief medical officer for Ryder Cup Europe, confirmed that Hovland’s injury stems from a previous condition—a bulging disk in his neck. The medical team had been monitoring him throughout the event, but the pain became too intense for him to play.
In line with Ryder Cup rules, U.S. team captain Keegan Bradley had to name a player who would replace Hovland if necessary. He chose Harris English, who didn’t play in the singles match. Hovland was set to face Bradley at 2:03 p.m. ET, but now the focus is on the rest of the matches as Europe leads 12-5 going into the singles.
Hovland, currently ranked No. 12 in the world, had a tough weekend. He was initially scheduled to play alongside Matt Fitzpatrick, but was replaced by Tyrrell Hatton shortly before their match on Saturday. Despite the changes, Fitzpatrick and Hatton managed to win their match 1 up.
Historically, injuries like Hovland’s have impacted many players in high-stakes tournaments. A recent report indicated that around 25% of athletes face injury during competitive events, affecting their performance and team dynamics. The Ryder Cup, in particular, has seen its share of injuries over the years, highlighting the physical demands of the game.
Looking ahead, the European team needs just two more points to win the Ryder Cup, having triumphed in the last event held in Rome. As fans watch closely, Hovland’s resilience and support from the bench could be a huge motivator for his team despite his absence.
For more information on sports injuries and their effects, you can reference studies from the National Institutes of Health.
