Second Ryder Cup rule change called for as Keegan Bradley demand laughed off by Europe

Team USA fans called for a play-off to be introduced in the Ryder Cup in the event of a tie, as Keegan Bradley’s injury regulation gripe was dismissed by Team Europe

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Keegan Bradley wants the Ryder Cup injury rule overhauled(Image: Jamie Squire, Getty Images)

US supporters have demanded another Ryder Cup change after skipper Keegan Bradley’s complaint about injury rules was laughed off by Europe. Bradley’s team suffered a 15-13 Ryder Cup defeat as a remarkable comeback in the singles fell just short at Bethpage Black.

Prior to Sunday’s finale, both sides were awarded half a point due to the ‘envelope rule’, which is enforced if a player is ruled out through injury. Bradley wasn’t happy when Viktor Hovland withdrew with a neck issue, edging Europe half a point closer to retaining the trophy and meaning Harris English had to sit it out.

Bradley said afterwards that he wanted the regulation altered for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland, where Europe will have the opportunity to claim a hat-trick of victories. He said: “Yeah, it has to change. I have a few ideas but I’m not going to tell you right now. I mean, the rule has to change.

“I think it’s obvious to everybody in the sports world, in this room. Nothing against Viktor. But that rule needs to change by the next Ryder Cup.”

Bradley’s thoughts were laughed off when they were relayed to Team Europe during their winners’ press conference. Winning captain Luke Donald responded: “I think it’s been in place since 1971. The US have used it before.

“I think it happened in 1991 with Steve Pate. That was a tight Ryder Cup, too, 141⁄2 131⁄2. It happened in 1993; Sam Torrance couldn’t play with an injured toe. The US won that one. We have contracts for a reason, a captains’ agreement for a reason, for situations that occur.

“I want to centre it back to Viktor; I would have had absolute faith in him to deliver a point today. He couldn’t play. He was gutted. The rule is the rule and it’s been in place for a long time.”

Another rule change, again emanating from the US, has also been suggested in the event of a tie, which was on the cards at one stage as the home team made their stirring fightback.

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Bradley’s suggestion was laughed off by Team Europe stars, including Justin Rose(Image: Scott Taetsch/PGA of America, Getty Images)

A 14-14 draw would have kept the cup in European hands, given their win in Rome two years ago. In the end, the visitors just did enough to win outright.

Amid Sunday’s drama, some American fans called for that particular rule to be scrapped, with a play-off being suggested instead. One X user posted: “If it does end up 14-14, it’s a total disgrace that the holders retain the cup. A massive missed opportunity. Have a playoff with one shot per player until it’s decided.”

Another posted: “I agree the whole retaining the Ryder Cup is lame, if it happened to be tied 14-14 there should be a playoff.”

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Luke Donald has no qualms with the Ryder Cup injury rules(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)

And a third suggested: “The fact that the Ryder Cup can end in a tie is a travesty. Get the two best and let’s take it to a playoff hole. So dumb, no one likes tying.”

Those suggestions should come as no surprise as America’s main sports do not feature draws, only winners and losers. The Ryder Cup has been tied on just two occasions throughout its history, with the US retaining the trophy in 1969 and Team Europe doing the same in 1989.