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SHEBOYGAN, Wisconsin (AP) – As if there hasn’t been enough suspense and questioning from Ryder Cup captains in recent years, a nod to the COVID-19 pandemic could make the things more upsetting than usual this time around.
Previously, when captains announced their rosters for Sunday’s singles matches on Saturday night, they also had to submit a so-called “injury” envelope; which bore the name of a single player who, if his opponent was unable to play, would be called out and the match was declared a draw. The last time the envelope was opened was at the Belfry in 1993, when Scotsman Sam Torrance had to retire due to a foot injury and his match against Lanny Wadkins – whose name appeared in the US envelope – was declared void. It slowed down, but didn’t prevent an American victory.
But this year, given the possibility of one or more positive COVID-19 tests at the last minute, US Captain Steve Stricker and his European counterpart Padraig Harrington will have to put three names in the envelope. What remained uncertain was whether one or more of these three actors could be replaced and how the process would work.
Under the current deal, Stricker could replace a single player with anyone, from non-playing assistant captain Phil Mickelson to a player who steals at the last moment. The choice of Harrington would be more constrained; he should choose a replacement in the same qualifying category as the player excluded due to injury or a positive COVID-19 test.
Sunday Singles is the only Ryder Cup session where everyone has to play – the Captains send four two-man teams to the morning and afternoon sessions on Friday and Saturday.
Harrington said it was “above the pay level of the two captains” whether – and indeed how – the captains would select more than one replacement for the final day of matches.
“Although we asked,” Harrington added a moment later, “it’s still not entirely clear what happens when we have – yes, God forbid, we’ve had an outbreak of COVID d ‘a number of players. But for a gamer, it’s pretty straightforward.
In a statement the PGA of America called for a “clarification” on Tuesday, the only thing clear was that the selection process for multiple substitutions had yet to be finalized.
“In terms of positive testing of multiple players, whether in one team or both teams, without speculating on specific numbers, the exact details of the scenario would be evaluated by both organizations to determine its impact on the overall game of the team. Ryder. Cut, ”the statement read.
In other words, teams and the PGA only intend to cross that bridge if and when they do.
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