Gutted Harris English wants officials to "take a look" at Ryder Cup envelope rule

The United States' Harris English said he's hopeful the governing bodies that oversee the Ryder Cup 'take a look' at the rule that forced him to sit out the final day of the 45th contest at Bethpage Black. 

A neck injury to Viktor Hovland meant a rarely used envelope rule came into play. 

The Norwegian has been suffering with the problem for more than two months but it flared up during his Saturday morning foursomes match with Robert MacIntyre against Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley. 

He was supposed to go out and play in the afternoon with Matt Fitzpatrick but was replaced at the last minute by Tyrrell Hatton. 

After having an MRI scan last night, Hovland woke up without being able to move his neck. He told European captain Luke Donald he was unable to play. 

In the Ryder Cup, when the two captains submit their line-ups for the Sunday singles, they also write down the name of one player to sit out in the even a opponent cannot play because of injury. 

It just so happened that US captain Keegan Bradley put English's name in the envelope. 

Both teams shared a point and, despite a stunning fightback, the US lost the 45th Ryder Cup by two points. 

English was forced to support his team from inside the ropes. 

He told reporters that he's hopeful the PGA of America "take a look" at the rule. 

"It was tough," English said. "I know Viktor is hurt. He sent me a text. He came up to me, and I know he's hurt. 

"The rule is what it is; hopefully they'll look at it at some point, but it sucked not going out there and playing today. 

"But it is what it is, and I was part of the crowd today and contributed as much as I could."

English said he was aware that he wouldn't be playing at around 1.15pm. 

Asked how he was processing the defeat, English said: "We have a really good team, and we didn't play good the first two days, and stuff happens. 

"But the way they gutted it out today, the way they grinded it out was incredible. It's awesome to be a part of this team."

Hovland said he not being able to play was heartbreaking. 

But he was part of the celebrations after Europe won 15-13.

The envelope rule has been used just twice since it was introduced in 1979. 

In 1991, American Steve Pate was injured in a crash. The US went on to win by one point. 

Two years later, Europe's Sam Torrance could not play because of an infected toe. 

Lanny Wadkins was the surprise player to miss out. It later emerged he had volunteered. 

The US won that Ryder Cup 15-13.