Viktor Hovland opens up on Ryder Cup heartbreak and sympathy for American
Viktor Hovland said not getting to play the singles at the Ryder Cup was "pretty upsetting". Pic: Vaughn Ridley/Sportsfile
Viktor Hovland was distraught that neither he nor Harris English got a chance to play in the singles at last month's Ryder Cup.
The Norwegian was forced to pull out due to a neck injury. It meant that English, who had been nominated in advance as the American to miss out should a European be unable to play, spent Sunday on the sidelines as his teammates were defeated.
"The whole situation was pretty upsetting," said Hovland, "just the fact that I didn't get to play, and I felt really bad for Harris, who also didn't get to play a match, even though there was nothing wrong with him. He just didn't get to play, and he was upset about that, and I feel very bad for not being able to compete."
Both teams received a half point due to Hovland's withdrawal. There was criticism of the rule but it is one which the 28-year-old would not change.
"It's tough," said Hovland.
"I think we're so used to in sports that if you can't play because you're hurt, obviously that should be a loss of point. But I think in the spirit of the Ryder Cup and the spirit of the game and the history of it, knowing that this Ryder Cup is just a part of many, many Ryder Cups to come, I think it's more of a gentlemen's agreement that okay, you were hurt this time and maybe the next time there's a guy on the US team and we're all kind of sympathetic about the person being hurt and not being able to play.
"I think there's kind of a mutual understanding that if we were healthy we would all go out there and play. I don't think people are using that to really finagle the system and try and squeak by."
Hovland took a week-and-a-half break after the Ryder Cup to recover from the injury. He will tee off on Thursday at the Hero Indian Open, a tournament which Team Europe captain Luke Donald, along with Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, will also play.
Donald is undecided on the possibility he could lead Europe at the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor.
"If I'm not a captain in two years' time and the captain wants me to be there, then I'm sure I would be happy to help him in any way he wanted," said Donald.
"It's pretty humbling when someone says you're the greatest captain. Maybe it's a little bit of a reaction in the present moment, but I certainly... I've given a lot to it. I'm very happy with the results that came with it, but you need those 12 players. You need the back room teams. You need the vice captains. You need so many others to make that happen.
"Certainly I play a role, but I play a small role in terms of a larger picture. I certainly couldn't do it without the amazing support we have behind me."
Donald added that he believes McIlroy would be suited to the captain's role.
"Well, just the fact that he loves the Ryder Cup more than anything," said Donald.
"He made it quite evident that winning an away Ryder Cup would really be the icing on an amazing year that he had this year.
"He loves what it represents. You've seen the emotion from losing to winning. Anyone that has that passion for a Ryder Cup I think would make a good captain."
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