Professional golfer Viktor Hovland is battling a tough phase in his career, grappling with issues in his swing that he believes would pose challenges to any player on the PGA Tour. Despite showing glimmers of a comeback during the second round of the Valspar Championship, the Norwegian golfer’s struggles are far from over.
Hovland’s recent performance records paint a rather disheartening picture. A player of his caliber, who once impressed spectators at the Ryder Cup and clinched the FedEx Championship, Hovland’s slump has been noteworthy. The past year has seen him make the cut in only two of five events this season, a dismal record compared to his previous successes.
His candid admission of the challenges he faces was evident when he stated, “I am hard on myself but that’s also why I am good. If I wasn’t hard on myself I probably wouldn’t be out here and I know that even with terrible mechanics I can still get out here and shoot a nice score but that can also lead to 80 shots at the Players because I don’t have control on what I’m doing.”
Hovland’s performance in the majors has been particularly concerning with him missing the cut at The Masters, The Open, and the US Open. His only saving grace was a third-place finish at the PGA Championship and a runner-up position at the FedEx St Jude. And while he managed to secure a T12 at the TOUR Championship, it did little to alleviate concerns about his overall form.
As the Masters approaches again, Hovland is in a race against time to retrieve his form. His second-round performance at the Valspar Championship will need to be built upon and significantly improved if he hopes to regain his footing.
With a Ryder Cup year upon us, Hovland is skating on thin ice. His place in the prestigious tournament hangs in the balance, and if he doesn’t pull up his socks soon, he might find himself slipping down the rankings.
Even Hank Haney, Tiger Woods’ former coach, has voiced his worry about Hovland’s current form. It is a clear indicator that the golfer needs to dig deep and make significant changes to get back on track.
Hovland’s struggles serve as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of professional sports. His current predicament underscores the need for players to continuously hone their skills and adapt to challenges. Despite the hurdles that lay ahead, one can only hope that Hovland will soon find his rhythm and grace the golf world with his exceptional talent once again.