U.S. captain Keegan Bradley said the "envelope rule" needs to be changed before 2027, but it's something that'll never happen at the Solheim Cup.
Much of the controversy at last week's Ryder Cup at Bethpage centered around the boorish behavior taking place outside the ropes. On Sunday, however, pundits and fans had plenty to say about a longstanding rule in the captain's agreement.
When Europe's Viktor Hovland – unable unable to move his neck – forfeited his singles match against Harris English prior to the start of the final session, each team was awarded a half-point.
Hovland and English were scheduled to square off in the day's final match. It marked the first time since 1993 that the envelope rule was put in play and the fourth overall. Captains essentially put a name into an envelope before singles play and if there's a withdrawal, the player's whose name is in the sealed envelope doesn't play. Each team gets a half-point.
U.S. captain Keegan Bradley said the rule needs to be changed before 2027; Europe's Luke Donald disagreed.
The rule has been in effect since 1979, when the Ryder Cup was expanded to include all of Europe.
Does the Solheim Cup have the 'envelope rule'?
On the women's side, each team puts the name of an alternate into an envelope, but that option is only valid before play begins. For example, in 2019, Ally Ewing took the place of an injured Stacy Lewis before the Solheim Cup competition started at Gleneagles.
Should a player retire before a foursomes or four-ball match starts, the player may be subbed in by someone who wasn't scheduled to compete in that session.
If a four-ball match has already started and someone retires, her partner can carry on solo. If someone retires after a foursomes match has started, the match must be forfeited.
When it comes to singles play, if a player retires before the start of a match, her opponent receives the full point. This happened in 2011 when Cristie Kerr withdrew from Sunday singles with an injured wrist. Karen Stupples received the full point. The two teams went into the final session tied 8-8. Europe went on to win that contest in Ireland by a score of 15-13.
If you withdraw from singles in Solheim play, the full point goes to the other team.
— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) September 28, 2025
Believe this is the way to go!
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Solheim Cup will never go to the 'envelope rule' like the Ryder Cup
Category: General Sports
