Farmingdale, N.Y. – Norway’s Viktor Hovland has had to quit Saturday’s four-goal game due to a neck injury, but he hopes he can play Sunday singles at Bethpage Black’s 45th Ryder Cup.
“If the game gets worse, I can’t keep going, and I don’t want to take the risk, especially when four-balls hit every single one,” Hofland said. “I’m going to get some treatment this afternoon and tonight, hoping that the singles tomorrow can.”
Hovland is the world’s No. 12 golfer, scheduled to play in the anchor four-ball (best ball) against England’s Matt Fitzpatrick on Saturday. Shortly before his scheduled serve time, Hofland was replaced by England’s Tyrrell Hatton in a match against Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay.
The captain’s agreement allows the team to replace the injured golfer before the game.
Hofland said he has been dealing with injuries over the past few months. He had to quit the Travelers Championship in June due to neck pain.
Hovland and Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre defeated a rising Russell Henley and Scottie Scheffler in a four-man (replacement shot) match earlier on Saturday, helping the Europeans get an 8.5-3.5 lead.
“I took some painkillers on the seventh hole and then got treatment from Matt Roberts of Physiology on the 10th tee,” Hofland said. “For the rest of the game after that, it stayed the same. But I came in and got more treatment, and when I got back to range, I tried to shoot some shots, trying to build up the driver. I hit three or four hard drivers and it got worse.”
