In 2021, Viktor Hovland made an impressive debut at the Ryder Cup, capturing attention with his infectious smile and powerful drives. However, his lackluster short game led to disappointing results. Fast forward two years, and Hovland has transformed his game around the greens, emerging as the FedEx Cup champion.
Hovland’s Redemption:
Reflecting on his Ryder Cup debut, Hovland admitted to lacking the necessary skills to shift momentum during matches, be it through a crucial putt, an up-and-down save, or a chip-in. However, with relentless hard work and consistent progress throughout the year, Hovland confidently asserts that he has now established himself as a much more accomplished player.
An Unstoppable Force:
Hovland’s recent achievements exemplify his remarkable growth. He conquered the BMW and Tour Championships by outplaying the PGA Tour’s finest players at Olympia Fields and East Lake. In June, Hovland secured his maiden win at the Memorial Tournament, defeating his opponent in a playoff. Even in challenging situations, Hovland possesses the strong belief that he can triumph or salvage a hole.
Building Confidence:
Hovland attributes his newfound confidence to his collaboration with esteemed golf coach Joe Mayo. Recognizing the necessity of excelling in this vital aspect of the game, Hovland acknowledges that his proficiency around the greens was never exceptional. To overcome this hurdle, he began working with Mayo, aiming to improve his chipping technique.
Technical Breakthrough:
Identifying his tendency to become too shallow and get behind the ball when executing chip shots, Hovland understood the need for consistency and precision. Through Mayo’s guidance, Hovland grasped the importance of decelerating ball speed and adopted a complementary approach. This breakthrough in understanding allowed him to translate theory into effective practice immediately.
Dominating the Greens:
Hovland’s transformation is now evident. With an enviable short game in his arsenal, he exudes confidence and belief in his abilities. Regardless of the circumstances or the state of his overall game, Hovland possesses the requisite skills to recover from unfavorable positions. This newfound conviction in his short game has the potential to spell trouble for Team USA in Rome.
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