2023: A Rollercoaster Year for Viktor Hovland
2023 has undoubtedly been a rollercoaster year for Norwegian golfer Viktor Hovland. From clinching prestigious titles to battling personal challenges in his game, Hovland's journey has been nothing short of dramatic.
Triumphs in the FedEx Cup Playoffs
Hovland made headlines by winning the FedEx Cup Playoffs title, a testament to his exceptional skill and perseverance. His triumph was marked by impressive performances, including three consecutive under-par rounds at the St. Jude Championship. These rounds not only showcased his consistency but also his ability to perform under pressure.
Another highlight of Hovland's season was his extraordinary final-round 61 at the BMW Championship outside Chicago. This sensational round cemented his reputation as one of the most formidable golfers in the world. Following this, he secured the Tour Championship in Atlanta, further solidifying his place among the elite golfers of the season.
Postseason and Ryder Cup Performance
Hovland's postseason scoring average of 66.17 reflects his outstanding form during the critical stages of the competition. His remarkable performance extended into the fall, where he delivered a sensational performance at the Ryder Cup. This achievement was yet another feather in his cap, demonstrating his ability to excel on the international stage.
Despite starting the St. Jude Championship ranked 57th in the FedEx Cup standings, Hovland's tenacity and skill propelled him to the top, setting an inspiring example for aspiring golfers worldwide.
Challenges and Reflections
However, Hovland's journey was not without its challenges. Reflecting on his game, he candidly shared insights into his struggles and the steps he took to address them. "The things that I did in my swing that made me good, that made me able to predict a certain ball flight, I went home and tried to do a certain move – not necessarily because I had in mind that I wanted to change my pattern. I knew my pattern was really good, but I was upset that I wasn't cutting the ball as much as I would have liked."
This revelation underscores the intricate balance required in a golfer's technique. In an effort to improve, Hovland made adjustments in the offseason. "Then in the offseason I made a conscious effort to try to cut the ball more, and when I did that, I ruined a relationship that happens in my swing that makes it really difficult for me to control the face coming down. So now it's just kind of me learning from that. I know exactly why it happened. I know exactly what happens because I've gotten myself measured, and now it's just kind of a process of getting back to where I was."
Current Struggles in Strokes and Rankings
Despite his successes, Hovland faced technical challenges on the course. His strokes gained approach numbers dropped to +0.46 per round, and he ranked 175th out of 176 players on the PGA Tour in strokes gained around the green. Coupled with just one top-10 finish throughout the season and the worst total strokes gained output of his career, these statistics highlight areas for improvement.
Hovland acknowledged the difficulties of playing without consistent ball control. "It's just not that fun to play golf when you don't know where the ball is going. I do pride myself in trying to make the best out of it, but it gets to a point where you kind of lose that belief – you just see a shot, and that's not good enough. I can try to grind my hardest. I can try to chip in from there. But you do that too often, too many times during the course of a round or a tournament, [and] it's too much to overcome. I feel like it's a waste of time for me to be playing golf if that's where I'm at; I'd rather be off the golf course and work on it, trying to figure out why I'm doing those things."
Path to Improvement
Despite the setbacks, Hovland remains optimistic about his journey. "I'm not sure how long it's going to take for me to play my best golf. It might be this week. It might be next week. But at least now I'm on a path to progress. I'm on a path to improvement. Whereas before, one thing is playing bad, but you don't know why and you don't know how to fix it. That's very challenging mentally. But at least now we're – I might play terrible this week, but at least I feel like I'm on a path to improvement, and that's all that kind of matters for me."
As Viktor Hovland navigates the highs and lows of professional golf, his candid reflections and unwavering determination provide a glimpse into the mind of an athlete striving for excellence. Whether he is celebrating victories or learning from setbacks, Hovland's journey in 2023 remains a masterclass in perseverance and growth.