Viktor Hovland on Ryder Cup injury disappointment and Luke Donald’s return as captain
Viktor Hovland says his injury at the Ryder Cup felt like a ‘dark cloud’ over Team Europe’s away victory, while welcoming Luke Donald’s continuation as captain in view of a third title in 2027.
Hovland was unable to compete in the Sunday Singles at Bethpage Black in September due to a neck injury that had been troubling him since the summer.
He had initially received treatment during the Foursomes on Saturday morning before being replaced by Tyrrell Hatton while sitting out the Fourballs later that afternoon.
Hovland’s inability to play Singles meant the USA were forced to withdraw a player with Harris English nominated to sit out via the envelope rule as both teams received half a point.
“That was tough,” Hovland told the Sky Sports Golf podcast. “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.”
Europe weathered the storm of a turbulent New York crowd to run out 15-13 winners as the first away team to win the Ryder Cup since 2012.
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Luke Donald discusses what it means to lead Europe at the Ryder Cup for a third consecutive year, with the possibility of facing Tiger Woods as captain of the USA
It was their second victory under the captaincy of Donald, who later confirmed he would be remaining in the role when Europe seek to defend their crown once more at Adare Manor in County Limerick next year.
“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.”
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