Luke Donald Doesn’t Hold Back After Keegan Bradley Demands Controversial Overhaul of the Envelope Rule

The police car merged into the convoy of 13 limousines carrying the 1991 Ryder Cup teams through Charleston, causing a three-car pileup that would change golf history. Steve Pate lay bruised and battered in a hospital bed, his abdominal muscles screaming in pain, while across town David Gilford received devastating news: his name was in the envelope. Their hypothetical Sunday singles match would be recorded as a tie, thanks to a rule that has sparked controversy for over three decades.

Fast-forward 34 years to Bethpage Black, and the envelope rule has struck again. This time, Viktor Hovland‘s neck injury triggered the same protocol that gave Harris English an automatic half-point, prompting U.S. Captain Keegan Bradley to demand immediate rule changes. But Luke Donald wasn’t having any of it.

“I think it’s been in place since 1971. The U.S. have used it before,” Donald fired back during Europe’s victory press conference, his voice carrying the weight of historical precedent. “We have contracts for a reason, a captains’ agreement for a reason, for situations that occur.”

The European captain’s defense was methodical and pointed. He reminded everyone that America benefited from this exact rule in 1991 during their narrow 14½-13½ victory. When Robert MacIntyre laughed at the question about Bradley’s complaints, it perfectly captured the European team’s sentiment about their opponents’ sudden rule reformation desires.

“The rule is the rule and it’s been in place for a long time,” Donald concluded, essentially telling Bradley to deal with it.

To Be Continued…

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