Ryder Cup 2025: Viktor Hovland forced out of afternoon fourballs at last minute

Europe were forced to make a late substitution for the Saturday afternoon session at Bethpage Black. 

Viktor Hovland, who teamed up with Scotland's Robert MacIntyre in the morning foursomes to beat the top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley, was forced to sit out his afternoon match at the last minute. 

NBC's Dan Hicks reported the Norwegian suffered a neck injury. England's Tyrrell Hatton took his place, teaming up with Matthew Fitzpatrick in the fourballs. 

At the time of publication, the extent of Hovland's injury is unknown. BBC Sport reported Hovland's injury "isn't too serious" and will be playing tomorrow. 

Hovland so far has a 1-1 record at this Ryder Cup. Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay defeated Hovland and MacIntyre in the opening session on Friday. 

The aforementioned MacIntyre and Hovland came up trumps late in their match on Friday morning to inflict Scheffler's third Ryder Cup defeat in New York. 

It is the first time in the history of the matches that a world number one has started a Ryder Cup with three defeats in a row. 

Europe raced into an 8½ - 3½ lead on Saturday and are now heavy favourites to retain the Cup. 

All 12 players are scheduled to play the singles tomorrow. 

If Hovland cannot play, then US captain Keegan Bradley will open his envelope to show the designated player who will sit out. 

It is known as the envelope rule and each team will share the point. 

Hovland outlined what has been the problem on Saturday afternoon. He told reporters that he's been struggling with his neck for the past two months. 

"I took some painkillers on the seventh hole and then got some treatment from Matt Roberts, the physio, on the tenth tee box," he said.  

"It stayed the same for the remainder of the match after that. 

"But I came in and rested up and got some more treatment and when I went back out onto the range, I tried hitting some shots trying to build up to the driver. I hit three or four hard ones and it just got worse.

"I didn't want to risk it for the match in case it got worse and I couldn't continue, especially in fourballs when you are hitting every shot.

"I had to pull out of the Travellers Championship earlier this year because of the same issue. I played two holes and then I had to pull out, so I didn’t want to do that. 

"I've been struggling with it a little bit since then. Not as bad, but similar over the last few months.

"I'm going to get some treatment this afternoon and tonight and hopefully I will be ok for the singles tomorrow."

Hovland's big moment

Hovland and MacIntyre were involved in a tense match on day two. 

Europe once again raced out of the blocks in the format they are so strong in. 

Captain Bradley decided to keep faith with the pairing of Harris English and Collin Morikawa, despite calls to split them up. 

They showed more heart and determination, but were once again swept aside by Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy 3&2. 

McIlroy even told one United States spectator to 'STFU' before he closed out his match. 

Jon Rahm and Hatton defeated Cantlay and Schauffele 3&2. 

Ludvig Aberg and Fitzpatrick were defeated by the pairing of Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Young. 

Hovland and MacIntyre's match was tied with five holes remaining. 

They edged ahead with a huge birdie at the 14th. Hovland even drained a huge par putt at the 17th to take a narrow lead up the last. 

Scheffler fatted his approach into the final hole and Henley could not hole out from the bunker to share the point. 

Hovland said he "blacked out" after sinking his putt on the penultimate hole. 

"So far, we're doing the job, but there's still a long ways to go and we've just got to keep our foot down and keep playing well," Hovland said.