Team Europe's savage reaction to Keegan Bradley's plea over Ryder Cup rule – 'It must change'

Keegan Bradley demanded a major change to the Ryder Cup envelope rule – and Team Europe burst into laughter when they heard his comments. The seldom-used rule was implemented on Sunday morning after European star Viktor Hovland pulled out through injury.

The Norwegian, who'd undergone an MRI scan on Friday evening after feeling pain on the first day, was nursing a neck problem and felt that he could no longer compete. As a result, his singles matchup against Harris English was cancelled and each team were awarded half a point.

Plenty of Americans aren't happy, particularly after seeing Hovland join in with Team Europe's celebrations on the 18th green, as the visitors ultimately won the Ryder Cup 15 to 13. During the USA's press conference, Bradley was quizzed about the envolope rule and he made his feelings on the matter clear.

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"Yeah, it has to change," the USA skipper declared. "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."

When Bradley's comments were passed on to Team Europe during their press conference shortly after, the room erupted in laughter. Winning captain Luke Donald dismissed Bradley's demand, saying: "I think it's been in place since 1971. The US have used it before.

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"I think it happened in 1991 with Steve Pate. That was a tight Ryder Cup, too, 14½ 13½. 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."

Ahead of Sunday's play, Team Europe released a statement in which Hovland expressed his disappointment. "There is nothing more I would like to do than be out there representing Team Europe and trying to help them win the Ryder Cup today," the Norwegian said.

"Not being able to do so is pretty heartbreaking. I will be backing my team as hard as I can and rooting them on."

Bradley will be hoping to get wish when the Ryder Cup returns in 2027 - although he's unlikely to lead the USA after a much-criticised captaincy.

The tournament will be held at Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland, where Europe will have the chance for a three-peat.