Viktor Hovland, the Team Europe star, delivered a razor-sharp response to the controversy surrounding his injury and the resulting half-point awarded to his team.
The Norwegian was forced to withdraw from his Sunday singles match against Harris English due to a neck injury, a situation that awarded both sides a half-point under the "envelope rule."
This rule sparked a furious reaction from U.S. Captain Keegan Bradley, who demanded an immediate change.
Hovland, who watched his teammates retain the cup 15-13, offered a pithy and humorous comeback that quickly went viral, acknowledging Bradley’s argument but undercutting it with the simple fact of the scoreline.
Proud 🥹#TeamEurope | #OurTimeOurPlace pic.twitter.com/bddkXv0TUR
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 29, 2025
The witty response that ended the debate
The controversy arose when Bradley publicly stated, "The rule has to change," arguing that the half-point given to Europe boosted their winning chances.
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When Hovland’s reaction was sought, the Norwegian delivered a cuttingly witty response that went straight to the heart of the matter:
“Yeah we heard them complain about that. I'd say they have a point on that, but they only have half a point.”
The comment was an immediate hit with European fans and was a final, emphatic statement on the controversy.
The half-point proved crucial in the end, with Shane Lowry clinching the victory for Europe on the 18th hole.
Why the half-point rule caused such controversy
Hovland’s withdrawal, which was caused by a flare-up of a lingering neck injury, marked only the fourth time in Ryder Cup history that the seldom-used "envelope rule" has come into play.
The rule dictates that when a player withdraws due to injury after pairings are set, a nominated opposing player must also sit out, and the match is declared a draw, with both teams getting a half-point.
US captain Keegan Bradley was visibly frustrated that Harris English, who was having a strong week, was forced to sit out, only for Europe to get a point that helped seal their victory.
European captain Luke Donald was quick to defend the rule, pointing out that it has been in place since 1971 and has previously benefited the American team.
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