The year was rife with rumors surrounding Viktor Hovland and LIV Golf. However, he has, time and again, expressed his desire to remain on the PGA Tour while conveying his disinterest in joining the breakaway league. But how exactly did the speculations start? Well, look no further, as the Norwegian golfer’s recent revelation paints a clear picture.
“I didn’t really feel like it,” said the golfer while coming out candid on why he decided to play fewer events this year, “If I didn’t feel like my game was in a good enough spot to where I could even garner more FedEx Cup points, I didn’t want to just go there and try to make the cut and then go home.” The athlete was apparently asked as to why he didn’t tee off at the 3M Open or the Wyndham Championship to help his FedEx Cup chances in an interview ahead of the 2024 BMW Championship.
USA Today via Reuters
May 19, 2024; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Viktor Hovland tees off on the second hole during the final round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Valhalla Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports
But then, where did he go exactly? “I felt like my time was better spent taking Wyndham off,” replied the six-time PGA Tour champ. “For example, being with Joe in Nashville, and I felt like we really got some good work in.” Interestingly, the golfer had split with his swing coach, Joe Mayo, following an ever-successful 2023. But after a dismal 2024, he reached out to the instructor, who has helped him tremendously. Cue the T3 at the PGA Championship, T15 at the Memorial Tournament, and the T2 at the St. Jude Championship.
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While his absence at various PGA Tour events did spark some controversy, what reinforced the spinning wheels of the rumor mills was the criticism he dished out at the men’s circuit. The player had, back then, expressed his understanding of LIV Golf Pro Jon Rahm and his defection before taking a jab at the Tour. “It would be a bit too silly to criticize the players for leaving,” said Hovland as he continued, “I totally understand why he left. That’s a lot, a lot of money.”
That’s not all. The pro also mentioned how the Jay Monahan-led circuit had poor management. “They almost see the players as labor, and not as part of the members,” added Viktor Hovland, “After all, we are the PGA Tour. Without the players, there is nothing… There is a great deal of arrogance behind it all.” But fortunately for the PGA Tour, Hovland’s dislike of the circuit’s certain aspects wasn’t too harsh for him to leave the league.
Viktor Hovland refuses to join LIV Golf
“I don’t think their product is that great,” disclosed the 2023 TOUR Championship winner while alluding to the format of the Saudi-backed league. He added, “I’m not such a fan of, for example, playing without a cut. You need the competition with 150 players and a cut.” What’s more, the 26-year-old also indicated how he wouldn’t have become a better golfer by joining LIV, courtesy of its format.
But his constant absence from many events led to the rise of the rumors once again. Consequently, the Head of Communication for the Norwegian Golf Association also asked him the same question, to which he responded with a resounding, “Not True.” Nevertheless, one thing is for sure: the athlete won’t be leaving the PGA Tour anytime soon.
