Bradley wants Ryder Cup ‘envelope’ rule changed after defeat

Before the next Irish Open in 2027, American captain Keegan Bradley claims the quirky envelope rule for the Ryder Cup “must change.”

The rules require that the captains of the United States and Europe list one golfer in an envelope that is only opened if the opposing player is injured and unable to play in the final round of singles.

It helped the US in 1991 and Europe in 1993, respectively, when Sam Torrance was forced to resign.

Europe’s Viktor Hovland was forced to miss the match due to a neck injury at Bethpage on Sunday, and both teams were given half a point for the encounter.

With 1122-4112 down going into the 12 singles, Bradley is upset about the rule because he and his team needed to get as many points as possible to win. Before a ball was struck, the score dropped to 12-5.

The US came incredibly close to capturing Europe, but they ultimately fell short, losing 15-13, thanks to a remarkable comeback on Sunday.

After the defeat, Bradley remarked, “It has to change.”

“I have a few ideas, but I won’t let you know at this time. Everyone in this room knows about it, especially in the sports world. Nothing vs. Viktor. However, the next Ryder Cup must change that rule.

Even if Hovland lost his match against English, the two-point winning margin in Europe would have permissibly prevented them from winning.

Luke Donald, Europe’s Luke Donald, declared, “The rule is the rule and it’s been in place for a long time.”

We have captains’ agreements for a reason, for circumstances that occur, and for a reason.

I want to turn it back to Viktor; I would have had total faith in him to deliver a message. He was unable to participate. He had to be devastated.

When European players were permitted to enter the biennial contest against the US in 1979, the envelope rule was implemented.

It has previously been used by the US, including Steve Pate, to “add Donald.” That was a close Ryder Cup victory for the US at Kiawah Island, too, 1412-131].