2023 has been a rollercoaster year for Norwegian golfer Viktor Hovland, a season replete with both significant triumphs and challenges. Despite facing turbulent phases and personal adjustments, Hovland managed to emerge as one of the brightest stars in professional golf.
Perhaps the most notable highlight of Hovland’s year was his sensational victory at the FedEx Cup Playoffs. This highly-coveted title was clinched after a string of impressive performances, including three consecutive under-par rounds at the St. Jude Championship and a remarkable final-round 61 at the BMW Championship outside Chicago. Hovland capped off his triumphant run by securing the Tour Championship in Atlanta, achieving a postseason scoring average of 66.17.
These accomplishments are all the more remarkable when considering his journey through the season. Entering the St. Jude Championship, Hovland was ranked 57th in the FedEx Cup standings, a far cry from a position typically associated with championship contention. Yet, his determination and skill saw him overcome the odds and rise to the top.
However, the season was not without its low points. Hovland's strokes gained approach numbers fell to +0.46 per round, and he was ranked a dismal 175th out of 176 players on the PGA Tour in strokes gained around the green. With just one top-10 finish and the worst total strokes gained output of his career, these statistics painted a picture of a golfer grappling with substantial challenges.
Reflecting on his struggles, Hovland shared profound insights into his swing mechanics and the adjustments he attempted. "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 shift in technique, as Hovland explained, led to unintended consequences. "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. But at least I know I have all the data and the facts on the table to go about it."
Hovland's candid recognition of the difficulties he faced is a testament to his resilience and dedication to the sport. "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."
Despite the setbacks, Hovland remained focused on improvement and progress. "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." His determined outlook and willingness to confront and learn from his challenges speak volumes about his character as an athlete.
Hovland’s performance at the Ryder Cup in the fall further underscored his sensational form in the latter part of the year. Exhibiting exceptional skills and tenacity, he was a standout performer, bolstering his reputation on the international stage.
As 2023 draws to a close, Viktor Hovland's journey encapsulates the highs and lows that characterize professional sports. From clinching prestigious titles to navigating through personal technical adjustments, he has demonstrated both brilliance and resilience. Despite the trials and tribulations, his trajectory suggests a golfer who is continually evolving and striving for excellence.
Viktor Hovland’s story this year is one of perseverance, growth, and an unyielding spirit – key attributes that not only make him a remarkable golfer but also an inspiring figure in the world of sports.