Golf star Viktor Hovland is fighting an uphill battle against his golfing shortcomings, evident in his dismal performance at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. His opening round was a disappointing five over par, which left him struggling down the leaderboard. However, there was a glimmer of hope for Hovland as other players, including Cam Young who scored a woeful +12, and Rafael Campos with +11, also had a tough time on the course. Despite this, several top-tier players managed to card a +9.
Hovland’s performance is far from satisfactory, especially for someone who has proved himself to be among the world’s best golfers when at his peak. On an off day, however, Hovland’s performance can be alarmingly unpredictable.
In the face of this, Hovland is not one to shy away from hard work. It was quite a sight to see the golfer, who used to be a key figure in the Ryder Cup squads and frequently contended for top positions, now struggling to find his footing. Despite the woes, Hovland’s dedication to improving his game is commendable. Espen Blaker, a golf journalist, spotted Hovland practicing late into the evening at Bay Hill, making him the last player to leave the field.
Hovland’s putting, which has been notably poor, was the main focus of his late-night practice session. The golfer’s persistence in his quest to overcome his current shortcomings is a testament to his determination to regain his form.
Hovland’s frustration with his own game is palpable. He admitted last month after the Pebble Beach tournament that his game was in a bad place. “It’s not very good,” Hovland confessed, highlighting his ongoing struggle to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Despite the lack of immediate results, which he finds extremely frustrating, Hovland believes he is making progress and learning more about the game.
In the midst of his struggles, Hovland remains hopeful about his future in golf. He believes in the good golf within him, which he has displayed in the past, and is confident that things will turn around soon. However, he is not mincing words about his current performance, admitting, “In my opinion I suck at it right now, but that’s all relative.”
As 2025 is a crucial year for the Ryder Cup, Hovland needs to pick up his game to secure his place in Luke Donald’s team. The competition is fierce, with many European players showcasing impressive performances. If Hovland doesn’t step up soon, he may be among the players left out of the final 12.