Viktor Hovland has long been considered one of golf’s brightest young talents, but his recent struggles have raised questions about whether he can take the next step toward greatness. Despite sky-high expectations, the Norwegian failed to capture a win on either the PGA Tour or DP World Tour last season, leading many to speculate about what’s holding him back.
Now, after parting ways with his coach Joe Mayo twice, Hovland is facing a critical juncture in his career. Is he overthinking his game? And can he recapture the form that once made him one of golf’s fastest-rising stars?
Hovland: “I’m a Tinkerer, But I’m Not a Madman”
In a candid interview with Life on Tour, Hovland admitted that he has a tendency to overanalyze, something that has led to both breakthroughs and setbacks. However, he pushed back against the narrative that he is recklessly changing his game after winning the 2023 FedEx Cup.
“I’m a little bit of a tinkerer, yeah 100 percent,” Hovland said, as quoted by The Golfing Gazette.
“But I think in the media a little bit, it’s been portrayed as I’m this madman, which isn’t entirely wrong. But it’s not like I made a conscious decision that, okay, I won the FedEx Cup, I’ve got to change everything up to get to the next level. That’s not really how it went down.”
The tinkering mindset can be both a gift and a curse in professional golf. Players are constantly looking for marginal gains, but making too many adjustments can throw off the natural feel and rhythm of a swing.
The Trap of Over-Adjusting: Hovland’s Battle with Swing Changes
Hovland recognizes that small changes can snowball into major issues, sometimes without even realizing it.
“Things just evolve over time without you really trying to consciously change anything. And as you progress, you do that too far, and now the things that used to work have just gotten a little too far off,” he explained.
“Now I made compensations on top of that, and now suddenly, the movement that I used to make is different.”
This is not an uncommon problem among elite golfers. Many top-tier players—even those who reach No. 1 in the world—have struggled after making too many tweaks to their swings. The search for perfection often leads them away from what originally made them successful.
Can Hovland Get Back to His Best?
The good news? Hovland recognizes the problem and is actively working to simplify his game.
Despite his struggles, he remains confident in his ability to rediscover his best form. His swing may have become a source of frustration, but he is determined to find solutions rather than let doubts take over.
Hovland’s talent is undeniable, and if he can find the right balance between fine-tuning and trusting his instincts, 2024 could still be his breakout year.
One thing is certain: he won’t stop searching for answers.