An unprecedented comeback just got even more difficult.
Europe’s Viktor Hovland has withdrawn from Sunday’s Ryder Cup singles match due to a neck injury, resulting in each team receiving a half-point, and leaving Team USA trailing, 12-5.
Europe needs 14 points to retain the trophy. The Americans need to claim 9.5 points out of Sunday’s 11 matches to pull off the near-impossible feat.
Prior to the Ryder Cup, each team captain was required to put the name of one player — in a sealed envelope — who would not play on Sunday in the event of an injury on the opposing team.
U.S. captain Keegan Bradley listed Harris English, who will now be a spectator after going 0-2 in his second Ryder Cup appearance.
Hovland was victorious during Saturday morning’s foursomes session, but was a late scratch in four-ball play, having reaggravated an injury the Norwegian has been dealing with since June.
He received an MRI scan at a hospital Saturday night and said he was unable to move his neck when he woke up Sunday morning.
“There is nothing more I would like to do than be out there representing Team Europe and trying to help them win the Ryder Cup today,” Hovland said. “Not being able to do so is pretty heartbreaking. I will be backing my team as hard as I can and rooting them on.”
Singles matches begin Sunday afternoon at Bethpage Black, with American Cam Young and Europe’s Justin Rose as the opening pair.