2023 has proven to be a whirlwind year for Norwegian golfer Viktor Hovland, filled with remarkable highs and challenging lows. The journey through the year has seen Hovland achieve some significant milestones, even as he grappled with moments of professional doubt and technical recalibration.
A Remarkable Season
One of the standout events of the golfing calendar was Viktor Hovland clinching the FedEx Cup Playoffs title, a testament to his skill and perseverance. This victory was punctuated by a series of exceptional performances, starting with three consecutive under-par rounds at the St. Jude Championship. Notably, Hovland's stunning final-round 61 at the BMW Championship outside Chicago was a highlight, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure.
Hovland's winning streak continued as he went on to secure the Tour Championship in Atlanta, further cementing his status as one of the top players in the sport. His postseason scoring average of 66.17 is a testament to his consistent form during critical moments.
Challenges and Revelations
Despite these triumphs, the road wasn't entirely smooth for Hovland. Entering the St. Jude Championship ranked 57th in the FedEx Cup standings, Hovland had to overcome significant odds. His strokes gained approach numbers had fallen to +0.46 per round, and he was ranked 175th out of 176 players on the PGA Tour in strokes gained around the green, reflecting the struggles he faced with his short game.
Moreover, Hovland recorded just one top-10 finish in the season and experienced the worst total strokes gained output of his career. This difficult period prompted him to reassess his techniques and make some critical changes.
Technical Adjustments
Hovland’s reflections on his swing and performance reveal the challenges he faced. "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," he explained.
In an attempt to adjust, Hovland made a conscious effort to cut the ball more during the offseason. However, this change had unintended consequences. "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," said Hovland. The process of correcting these adjustments has been a critical focus for him.
"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," Hovland admitted, expressing the mental toll of his technical struggles. His candid insights into the frustrations of not being able to predict his shots highlight the mental and emotional challenges professional golfers face.
Hovland's commitment to improvement is evident in his approach. "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," he shared. This outlook has allowed him to focus on the long-term process of refining his skills rather than being weighed down by immediate setbacks.
Potent Comeback
The latter part of the year offered Hovland a chance to demonstrate the effectiveness of his adjustments. His sensational performance at the Ryder Cup in the fall showcased his perseverance and ability to compete at the highest level. The victories and improved play later in the season are a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Viktor Hovland’s 2023 season has indeed been a mix of dramatic highs and instructive lows. His journey through the ups and downs is a reminder of the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the careers of elite athletes. As he continues to refine his game, the golfing world will be watching closely to see how this talented Norwegian golfer builds on the lessons of this challenging yet rewarding year.