Team Europe won the Ryder Cup by 15-13, but American fans were incensed by Viktor Hovland’s injury that gave both teams a half point before the singles session began
American golf fans have criticised Viktor Hovland after the Team Europe player gestured towards his injured neck during their Ryder Cup victory celebrations. The Norwegian golfer had to bow out before Sunday’s singles session due to a disk bulge in his neck, an old injury that resurfaced.
Hovland took part in the Friday morning foursomes, suffering a defeat alongside Robert MacIntyre against Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele. However, the same European duo triumphed over Russell Henley and Scottie Scheffler on Saturday morning.
They were then due to face off against Cantlay and Sam Burns in the afternoon four-ball, but Tyrrell Hatton had to step in for Hovland at the last minute due to the injury. This issue subsequently sidelined the Norwegian from the Sunday singles.
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His withdrawal meant that the 12th and final match, which was supposed to be against Harris English, was cancelled. U.S. captain Keegan Bradley decided to withdraw English in case of any injury before the week started.
As a result, neither participated in the singles, but each secured an additional point for their team. That put Europe ahead 12-5 going into the session, requiring just two more points to keep their title and another half to win outright.
Ludvig Aberg was the only European to clinch his singles match, with Hatton, MacIntyre, Matt Fitzpatrick and Shane Lowry also securing half points. They ultimately won by a narrow margin of two points, 15-13, meaning that the half point from Hovland proved crucial to their success following an American comeback.
Subsequently, during the festivities, the Norwegian gestured towards his neck before taking his opportunity to hoist the Ryder Cup aloft on the course. That gesture particularly enraged American supporters who were watching.
‘I’m sorry, but this whole Viktor Hovland neck injury stuff is such a stain on the Ryder Cup,’ one fan said on social media. “Neck looks fine in the group photo, and then it looks like he puts on an acting job in the celebration with Team Europe and their fans.
“Dude got .5 for sitting out. That’s some liberal participation trophy nonsense.
“Also, I like Hovland. I’ve been a fan of his for a while, and don’t doubt he’s hurt, but awarding points for sitting out and then acting like he’s in a neck brace in celebration is just silly. At least give it a go like tennis players do.”
Another supporter challenged the severity of his ailment: “So because Viktor Hovland slept on his neck awkwardly and couldn’t play, Europe was gifted a free .5 pt that won them the Ryder Cup? Sick league.” Additional critics branded the circumstances “bull****” and “shameful”.
Hovland, nevertheless, responded to the withdrawal in a statement. “Not being able to do so is pretty heartbreaking. I will be backing my team as hard as I can and rooting them on.”
Team Europe skipper Luke Donald clarified after reaching the decision: “He started stiffening up yesterday morning. Tried to go out in the afternoon, but got worse and worse.
“Got an MRI last night. Really, really stiff this morning. Tried to go through his warm-up and just couldn’t play.
“So yeah, he’s devastated. He’s gutted. He wants to go out there and represent Team Europe. Yeah, it’s very, very unfortunate.”
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