Keegan Bradley calls for changes to Ryder Cup rules after USA defeat.

Call for changes to Ryder Cup rules

According to The Sun: Keegan Bradley believes it is time for changes to Ryder Cup rules after Team Europe secured victory.

The USA captain watched his team's tense match in singles on Sunday, but it was not enough to avoid their first home loss since 2012.

Keegan Bradley called for changes to Ryder Cup rules PA Reuters

However, Bradley and his team's situation became complicated even before the final session due to Victor Hovland's injury from Team Europe.

The Norwegian was unable to play due to neck pain, and Gary Woodland was withdrawn by Bradley's decision.

This meant the score remained tied, and Team Europe needed just two points to secure the Ryder Cup, which ultimately was guaranteed thanks to Shane Lowry, and Tyrrell Hatton added another half point.

However, Bradley was dissatisfied with the need to award a half point due to injury and called for rule changes.

“This has to change. I think it’s clear to everyone... this rule needs to be changed by next Ryder Cup.”

Europe captain Luke Donald countered this claim, noting that a similar rule had previously helped the USA team.

They had an agreement between captains established before the tournament began.

According to the agreement, “when captains submit their team choices for singles matches, they must provide a sealed envelope with the name of one player who replaces a player who has withdrawn due to illness, injury, or other extraordinary reasons.”

RYDER CUP 2025: FOLLOW ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM BETFAIR BLACK

“Such a pairing is considered a draw.”

Woodland was the name Bradley submitted in the envelope, which is why he missed the singles round.

Luke Donald's response to calls for changes

Donald also reacted to Bradley's proposal for changes.

“The USA has already benefited from this before. A rule is a rule and it has been around for a long time.”

“It seems to have existed since 1971. The USA has used it before. I think it happened in 1991 with Steve Pate. It was a tense Ryder Cup, too 14½-13½.”

“This happened in 1993; Sam Torrance could not play due to a finger injury. The USA won that time.”

“We have contracts for a reason, a captain’s agreement for a reason, for situations that arise.”

“I want to focus on Victor; I would have absolute confidence in him to earn a point today. He could not play. He was very sorry.”

Team Europe showed great skill and resilience in their matches, leading to their victory in the Ryder Cup. However, Bradley's call to change the rules reflects ongoing concerns about the fairness of a competition where injuries can have a decisive impact on the outcome. All of this highlights the need to reassess traditions and rules in order to adapt to the modern demands and challenges in sports.