Viktor Hovland’s caddie reveals truth behind Ryder Cup neck injury setback

Kaufman caught up with both Hovland and his caddie after the event and shared what he learned on The Smylie Show: “I had an opportunity to speak with Viktor Hovland, and I said, ‘Bummer Viktor, sorry to hear about your injury,’ and tapped him on the back.

“He did one of these (turns stiffly around without moving his head). If anybody’s ever had a neck injury or something, a cramp up in your shoulder, you know you have no mobility.

“Could he have played through it? Gosh, I don’t know. But I talked to his caddie, and he said it’s a very similar injury to the one he had earlier in his season at the Travelers; it just happened to be on a different side.”

The injury isn’t exactly like what kept him out of action during the Travelers Championship but does seem remarkably similar—just affecting the other side of his neck this time around.

Viktor Hovland had been dealing with a neck issue for two months

Luke Donald, Europe’s captain, said Hovland was gutted to miss Sunday’s action, but at least now he has the chance to recover after pushing through pain for so long.

When he withdrew from his singles match, Hovland spoke about the injury. “I’ve had some issues with a neck injury on and off for the last two months,” he told reporters.

He explained that it was the same problem that forced him out of the Travelers earlier in the year. “I’ve been struggling with it a little bit since then. Not as bad, but similar over the last few months.”

With no majors coming up and Europe having secured an away win, Hovland can finally take some time to rest before returning in 2026.

He still managed an impressive performance at Bethpage despite the injury. If he can get fully healthy, there’s every reason to expect another big season ahead.