Palm Harbor, Fla. — Viktor Hovland recently celebrated a significant achievement by winning the Valspar Championship, marking his first PGA Tour title in 18 months. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Hovland overcame a three-shot deficit with just five holes left, clinching victory against Justin Thomas, a top-10 player in the world.

A Milestone Moment

Following his win, Hovland reflected on the hard work he has dedicated to improving his game, especially since the 2023 Ryder Cup. Holding the trophy, he acknowledged the significance of this moment in proving that his efforts were worthwhile. However, he was candid about his current swing, stating, “Yeah, it’s still not great. … The club is just not in a great place for me coming down.”

Striving for Excellence

Despite his recent success, Hovland noted that achieving a win while not fully satisfied with his swing is a double-edged sword. He shared, “I think that is something that I’m extremely proud of … but at the same time, it makes this game a lot more stressful than I think it should be.”

Hovland’s Journey in Professional Golf

At just 27 years old, Hovland has already made a name for himself on the PGA Tour, now boasting seven victories that include a Tour Championship. His recent performances at major tournaments also show his potential, as he has secured three top-five finishes over the past three years.

His determination to continually enhance his skills is noteworthy. Hovland expressed, “It’s like, that’s what we do; we are here to get better, and we are here to win tournaments.” This mentality is vital in a sport where many players settle into a comfortable routine, but Hovland refuses to join the ranks of mediocrity.

Road to Redemption at the Valspar Championship

Entering the Valspar Championship, Hovland was hoping to rebound from a rocky start to the year, which included missing cuts and finishing poorly at The Players Championship. His commitment to improvement was evident; he spent time with swing coach Grant Waite in Orlando prior to the event, working to regain his swing feel.

His tournament began with a solid first-round score of 70, followed by a 67 that placed him just behind the leader. Hovland stated, “I don’t have control over what I’m doing,” highlighting his ongoing struggle with consistency as he approached the final rounds.

A Test of Character

The final round posed a significant challenge, as Hovland had to manage his game while navigating the demanding conditions of the Copperhead Course. Notably, he executed a pivotal shot on the par-4 16th hole, which led to a birdie, solidifying his lead. Hovland concluded the tournament with a score of 67, which was enough to edge out Justin Thomas.

The Path Ahead

Following his victory, Hovland is set to revisit his training with Waite, eager to gather the insights needed to tackle his technical issues head-on. As he looks toward the Masters Tournament in 18 days, he reflects on the specific challenges Augusta National presents.

Hovland remains optimistic, acknowledging the hard work he has put in but remaining realistic about the need for continuous improvement. “I still need to be honest so I can attack the problems … but I got to give myself some credit,” he noted, emphasizing the balance between acknowledging his struggles and celebrating his abilities.