Q&A with Viktor Hovland: On motivation, his apparel, Ryder Cup, sightseeing and lamb stew
In 2008, Harald Hovland, an engineer, was spending much of his year in St. Louis on a work project and bought a set of golf clubs to use at a driving range nearby. When he returned to Norway, he rather innocently brought a junior set back with him for his 11-year-old son and the rest as they say is history. Hovland, 27, has won seven times on the PGA Tour, including the 2023 FedEx Cup and climbed as high as No. 3 in the world. (He currently is No. 12.) Hovland is competing at the Genesis Scottish Open, where on Thursday he rocked a limited edition polo, featuring a bold, custom tartan print, honoring Scottish heritage. Before the tournament got underway, Hovland sat down and answered 19 questions for Golfweek, including clearing up his dating status for those who were wondering.
Viktor Hovland: I steepened the attack angle on my shots around the green to help my short game.
VH: I find the double pump helps promote more of a draw shape for me. If you see it again, it means I'm in a bad spot and I'm struggling to draw the ball!
VH: I need to understand how things work. I enjoy the challenge and I obsess over the game as part of my desire to get better at it. If that puts me in the 'golf nerd' category then so be it!!
VH: I just love this game and the challenges that it brings. Working hard and achieving my goals is the most rewarding part of it for me.
VH: I'm just trying to get my ball striking back to normal. That's the pillar of my game and if I can do that and improve my chipping, I can achieve great things.
To be the best I can be.
VH: Yes, I remember Jasper wearing it well. To me, it was Scandi, unique and bold, which I like.
VH: The shirt I wore during the first round of the Masters in 2023 was one of my favorites. It was outrageous! I played with Tiger and shot 65 which was nice.
VH: Nothing too fancy, I'm a pretty casual jeans and t-shirt guy.
VH: I really like the feel of J.Lindeberg's clothing. It looks sporty, provides good movement and I feel that aids my golf swing.
VH: I think it's great. I know that JL get a lot of positive feedback too and I enjoy being part of their brand and style.
VH: It does not compare to any other event I've played in. Coming from college golf, playing in a team is unlike anything else and we (Team Europe) have a really strong bond as a team. Whilst completely different, my goal is to stick to my process and focus on the tee shot regardless of the occasion.
VH: I don't think too much about it, but the 2023 PGA Championship is one that got away.
VH: My FedEx and U.S. Amateur trophies are kept in the clubhouse at Oak Tree National (in Edmond, Oklahoma). I still haven't bought a replica of my U.S. Amateur trophy yet so that's something on my to-do list.
VH: Anything old and historic interests me. Stonehenge in the UK, battle grounds, Native American mounds in Ohio, etc.
VH: Faarikaal which is a type of lamb stew.
VH: I'm pretty easy going but I don't like arrogance in general.
VH: Yes, I am.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
21 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
British Open joins US Open in leaving prize fund at same level
PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (AP) — The British Open is leaving the total prize money at $17 million, the first time since 2012 the R&A has chosen not to increase the purse. The U.S. Open also did not boost its purse this year at Oakmont . The winner this week at Royal Portrush will receive $3.1 million, the same amount Xander Schauffele earned last year at Royal Troon. The four majors had been gradually increasing their prize money in recent years. The Masters increased its prize fund by $1 million to $21 million. The PGA Championship went up $500,000 to $19 million. The U.S. Open left its purse at $21.5 million, still the highest of the four majors. It's an example that the biggest championships are not about prize money, but green jackets and claret jugs. The Players Championship on the PGA Tour has a $25 million purse. PGA Tour signature events and Saudi-funded LIV Golf events have $20 million prize funds. ___ AP golf: The U.S. Open also chose not to increase the purse this year, leaving it at $21.5 million. The Masters was at $20 million this year.
San Francisco Chronicle
24 minutes ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
British Open joins US Open in leaving prize fund at same level
PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (AP) — The British Open is leaving the total prize money at $17 million, the first time since 2012 the R&A has chosen not to increase the purse. The U.S. Open also did not boost its purse this year at Oakmont. The winner this week at Royal Portrush will receive $3.1 million, the same amount Xander Schauffele earned last year at Royal Troon. The four majors had been gradually increasing their prize money in recent years. The Masters increased its prize fund by $1 million to $21 million. The PGA Championship went up $500,000 to $19 million. The U.S. Open left its purse at $21.5 million, still the highest of the four majors. It's an example that the biggest championships are not about prize money, but green jackets and claret jugs. The Players Championship on the PGA Tour has a $25 million purse. PGA Tour signature events and Saudi-funded LIV Golf events have $20 million prize funds. The U.S. Open also chose not to increase the purse this year, leaving it at $21.5 million. The Masters was at $20 million this year.
Fox Sports
an hour ago
- Fox Sports
British Open joins US Open in leaving prize fund at same level
Associated Press PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (AP) — The British Open is leaving the total prize money at $17 million, the first time since 2012 the R&A has chosen not to increase the purse. The U.S. Open also did not boost its purse this year at Oakmont. The winner this week at Royal Portrush will receive $3.1 million, the same amount Xander Schauffele earned last year at Royal Troon. The four majors had been gradually increasing their prize money in recent years. The Masters increased its prize fund by $1 million to $21 million. The PGA Championship went up $500,000 to $19 million. The U.S. Open left its purse at $21.5 million, still the highest of the four majors. It's an example that the biggest championships are not about prize money, but green jackets and claret jugs. The Players Championship on the PGA Tour has a $25 million purse. PGA Tour signature events and Saudi-funded LIV Golf events have $20 million prize funds. ___ AP golf: The U.S. Open also chose not to increase the purse this year, leaving it at $21.5 million. The Masters was at $20 million this year. in this topic
