The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black has just concluded, but the first debate has already opened, which has to do with the curious ‘envelope rule’, which had only been used on two occasions since it was established in 1979. The rule is quite unique, as it states that the captains of the United States and Europe put the name of a golfer in an envelope that is only opened if a player from the opposing team is injured and cannot compete in the final round of singles. In this case, each team receives half a point. During the first two days there is no problem, because an injured golfer can be replaced before a match starts by any other member of his team.
Europe finished the second day of the Ryder Cup with a score of 11.5 to 4.5. Before the start of the singles matches it was already 12-5, and instead of the 12 matches set to be played, 11 were played due to Norwegian Viktor Hovland’s neck injury. The American player affected was Harris English. The final score in this edition was 15-13. Interestingly, in the Solheim Cup, the women’s equivalent of the Ryder Cup, there is no ‘envelope rule’ and if a player withdraws through injury, the opponent receives the full point.
European captain Luke Donald hinted that there is no reason to change the rule and recalled, when asked by the media, the two previous cases in which the rule had been used: “I think it happened in 1991 with Steve Pate (USA). That Ryder Cup was also very close, 14.5-13.5 (USA). It also happened in 1993; Sam Torrance could not play because of a toe injury. The United States won that one (15-13)”. The Englishman added that he might feel aggrieved, but that’s the way it is: “I would have been fully confident that I would have won my point if I had played”. However, he also mentioned that everything was agreed: “We have contracts for a reason, a captains’ agreement for a reason, for situations that occur. The rule is the rule and has been in place for a long time”.
On the other hand, Keegan Bradley, the American captain, is convinced that the historic rule must be changed. “I have some ideas, but I’m not going to say them now, but the rule has to change. It’s obvious to everyone in the sporting world here,” he said. “I have nothing against Viktor [Hovland]. But that rule has to change for the next Ryder Cup,” said the home side’s leader. In the United States they are up in arms and there are even those who say that it is the most unfair rule in sport, in line with what Bradley was saying.
When it benefited Team USA, no decisions were made about a change. On this occasion, however, it was very good for Europe to get closer to its goal because it was the team that was clearly leading. In any case, during the broadcast on Movistar Golf, golfer and commentator Jose Manuel Lara pointed out a possible solution: that there should be a reserve. The essence of the last day is that the 12 matches are played.
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