Viktor Hovland injury update: Golfer scratched from Saturday afternoon's session at Ryder Cup with neck soreness

Daniel Chavkin

Viktor Hovland injury update: Golfer scratched from Saturday afternoon's session at Ryder Cup with neck soreness image

Viktor Hovland drained a big putt Saturday morning at the Ryder Cup, helping Europe secure a crucial point.

He was scheduled to play again in the afternoon, anchoring the final match with Matt Fitzpatrick. But when the tee time arrived, it was Tyrrell Hatton who emerged from the tunnel to play alongside Fitzpatrick.

Hovland has played two matches this week, both morning foursomes with Robert MacIntyre. Hatton has done the same, partnering with Jon Rahm in those sessions.

Here’s why Hovland was unable to play Saturday afternoon.

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Viktor Hovland injury update

According to the NBC broadcast, Hovland felt his neck injury on the final holes of his morning match with Robert MacIntyre. After speaking with captain Luke Donald, he opted to get treatment to see if it would improve.

In case he couldn’t play, Hatton warmed up on the range, preparing for a possible second match. Hovland’s treatment ultimately wasn’t enough, and Hatton stepped onto the course with Fitzpatrick instead.

Hovland now has to recover in time for Sunday singles tomorrow, which are set to begin at Noon ET. All twelve players on each team are set to play in that session, so a Hovland injury could impact the matches in the final day.

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Daniel Chavkin

Daniel Chavkin is a Digital Content Producer for The Sporting News. A 2018 graduate from the University of Maryland, he has previously written for Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports and NFLTradeRumors.com.