Viktor Hovland withdrew from the final day of the 2025 Ryder Cup due to a neck injury caused by a disc bulge, which led to the controversial application of the 'Envelope Rule' that resulted in a halved match against Harris English.

Hovland has been recovering from his injury, avoiding golf for over a week and a half after the event, and is now playing lightly in India, steering clear of drivers to prevent further neck pain.

The 'Envelope Rule,' in place since 1979 and last used in 1993, allows a captain to replace an injured player with a teammate, resulting in a halved match, but it has faced criticism for potentially undermining the integrity of the competition.

Historically, the rule has been used sparingly, with notable instances in 1991 and 1993, and it is rooted in the spirit of sportsmanship, though critics argue it can be exploited to manipulate results.

U.S. captain Keegan Bradley has called for the rule to be changed before the 2027 Ryder Cup, citing concerns over its potential to influence outcomes, while European captain Luke Donald has defended its longstanding use since 1979.

Hovland expressed concerns that the rule could be exploited by opponents to field weaker players or injured competitors, and acknowledged that while the current rule isn't perfect, finding a better solution is challenging.

Hovland posted a 1-1-1 record on Long Island and was replaced in the final foursome session by Tyrrell Hatton, with his injury ultimately leading to a shared half-point in the final match.

Despite Hovland’s injury and the halved match, Europe maintained a narrow lead, ultimately winning the Ryder Cup with a final score of 15-13 after a dramatic U.S. comeback.

Hovland defended the use of the 'Envelope Rule' as the best approach for handling unexpected injuries, which resulted in both teams sharing half a point in the final singles match.

Looking ahead, Hovland plans to focus on the DP World Tour's postseason, managing his neck by avoiding heavy shots like with a driver and opting for a 3-iron to prevent further injury.

U.S. captain Keegan Bradley has publicly stated that the 'Envelope Rule' should be revised before the next Ryder Cup, emphasizing concerns over its strategic implications and fairness.