OAKMONT, Pa. – Viktor Hovland's journey through the world of professional golf has often been marked by moments of self-doubt and relentless self-examination. Yet, even in discomfort, he has managed to secure victories, such as his triumph at the Valspar Championship in March. That win, although celebrated, left Hovland feeling that his swing was still a work in progress.
The Norwegian golfer, known for his candor, famously critiqued his own chipping after wins and often admitted to nearly withdrawing from major championships as he sought perfection. His unflinching honesty can be perceived as hard on himself, yet it’s a reflection of his commitment to confronting challenges head-on.
This season, Hovland has been selective about his tournament appearances, focusing on sharpening his skills at home with the support of swing coach Grant Waite instead of competing when he didn't feel ready. This strategy allowed him to emerge with renewed confidence.
“I hadn’t been overly confident in my ball-striking, but recently, I’ve seen great progress,” Hovland expressed before the U.S. Open. His rigorous practice was showing results, evidenced by his 2-under 68 finish in the second round, placing him just two shots behind leader Sam Burns.
There were still errors—missed putts and shots straying off-target—yet Hovland maintained composure, something he attributes to improved ball-striking. When once he might have unraveled, he remained steady, an evolution in mental resilience supported by strong performance from tee to green.
As Hovland continues to improve, he leads the field in strokes gained: tee to green, reflecting precise driving and approach play. With his ability to stay calm in the face of adversity, he is closing in on a major breakthrough.
“I’m super happy with where we’re going,” he remarked, acknowledging the occasional struggle but noting it is becoming less frequent. The reduction in negative self-talk signals a golfer on the brink of a significant achievement.
