Europe scores a point due to Hovland's injury: what is the envelope rule.

According to The Sun: The European team suffered a serious blow due to Viktor Hovland's injury, who was unable to participate in the Ryder Cup due to illness.

However, this allowed Luke Donald's team to get closer to victory thanks to the little-known "envelope rule".

Details of the situation

This rule has not been applied for 32 years and has only been used twice in history - in 1991 and 1993.

Currently, both teams have the same number of points, meaning Europe leads the competition against the USA with a score of 12-5.

It is known that Hovland sustained a neck injury on Saturday.

He was supposed to play against Harris English in singles matches on Sunday afternoon.

“Victor Hovland from the European team cannot play in the Sunday singles matches due to injury,” said the PGA of America statement.

“Substitution rule 3.d) of the Ryder Cup Captain's Agreement requires each team captain to provide the name of one player in a sealed envelope who will not play in the event of injury to a member of the other team.”

“The player from the USA team is Harris English, and under the Ryder Cup Captain's Agreement, the match between Viktor Hovland and Harris English.”

Hovland expressed his disappointment about the situation in a Sunday statement: “Nothing more than being there, representing Team Europe and trying to help them win the Ryder Cup today,” he confessed.

“Not being able to do that is very painful.”

“I will support my team as much as I can and cheer for them.”

The Ryder Cup Rule 3d

Here is the full text of the PGA of America rule:

3.d) When the captains submit their selections for singles matches, they must provide a sealed envelope with the name of a player deemed paired with a player who, due to illness, injury or other urgent reason, must withdraw from the matches of the other team. Such pairing is considered a halved match. If a match needs to be rescheduled, it will be done according to the order of play.

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This situation opens up new opportunities for Luke Donald's team, as with Hovland's exit they have a chance to utilize new strategic solutions. It will be important to monitor the development of events and the reactions from other players, as changes in the team lineup always have their consequences on the competition's results.