"I felt kind of s----y about that" - Viktor Hovland still upset over Ryder Cup controversy

Viktor Hovland says he feels like missing the final day of the 2025 Ryder Cup through injury cast "a little black cloud" over the showdown. 

Hovland, 28, represented Europe for the third occasion last September at Bethpage Black in New York. 

European skipper Luke Donald threw the Norwegian out in the foursomes alongside Scotland's Robert MacIntyre and the duo collected one point from two matches. 

Hovland was scheduled to play in the Saturday afternoon fourballs alongside Matthew Fitzpatrick but was replaced at the last minute by Tyrrell Hatton after a neck injury - which he was dealing with prior to the matches - flared up again. 

He went for an MRI scan on the Saturday evening and, despite trying to warm-up 24 hours later, was forced to withdraw from the Sunday singles. 

His match against United States golfer Harris English was declared half a point each, thanks to a rarely-used and controversial envelope rule. 

It was is the third time the envelope rule has been used since it was introduced in 1979.

In 1991 American Steve Pate was injured in a car crash before the Ryder Cup started, and in 1993 Europe's Sam Torrance could not play on the Sunday because of an infected toe.

Team USA skipper Keegan Bradley was among those to criticise its use, calling for a rule change in the immediate aftermath of the 15-13 home defeat. 

Hovland called the whole situation "pretty upsetting" on his first appearance after the Ryder Cup in India. 

And speaking on the latest edition of the Sky Sports Golf podcast, the PGA Tour star doubled down. 

"That was tough," Hovland said "Obviously, the most important thing is that we win and it's a team event and we got the job done and that's the most important thing.

"But I was really gutted. Obviously, for Harris, he didn't get to play and for myself, it was a tough situation.

"At the same time, I felt like it kind of left a little dark cloud or a shadow over the tremendous job that Luke's done, all the vice captains, and obviously the rest of my team because we played on the Thursday and Friday.

"Just a flawless exhibition of golf, especially in an away Ryder Cup at Bethpage. 

"It was absolutely insane just to be a part of that and kind of have my neck issue and my withdrawal and then the point situation, having that obfuscate some of that performance. 

"I just felt kind of s----- about that, to be honest."

Hovland "pumped" for Luke Donald return

On 4 March, Luke Donald was named as the European captain for a third term. 

Next September, the former world number one will go for an historic three-peat at Adare Manor in Ireland. 

He is the first European captain to serve three consecutive terms since Bernard Gallacher between 1991 and 1995. 

Hovland said he and the rest of the team were made aware of his decision only 24 hours before the official announcement. 

"He gave us all a heads up the night before [the announcement] and we were all pretty pumped," Hovland said of Donald's decision to remain captain.

"I mean, the last two iterations of the Ryder Cup, he's done a phenomenal job. He's really immersed himself in the role as a captain and the way he delivered and the way it was all super seamless.

"It was just a perfect captaincy and for him to do it a third time is super cool. I think we're all super pumped to give him that third victory at Adare Manor."

Who will captain Team USA?

The PGA of America are yet to name Keegan Bradley's replacement. 

Bradley, who told reporters during the 2026 Players Championship he was still heartbroken about the defeat, has made it clear that he would like a do over. 

But he admitted the decision is out of his hands. 

Tiger Woods has been offered the position, but the 15-time major champion claims he's unsure whether he can do the role justice given his commitments to the PGA Tour. 

Woods, who turned 50 last December, is a member of the Tour's policy board and also the chairman of the future competition committee. 

The committee is charged with re-shaping the PGA Tour and how it operates. 

Critics suggest the issue is over compensation. 

Reports suggest the PGA of America would like Woods to make up his mind before the 2026 Masters. 

Should the 15-time major champion reject the role again there is no shortage of candidates. 

Jim Furyk, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson and Steve Stricker have been touted.