Hovland knows improvements are essential ahead of Masters

Viktor Hovland's recent victory at the Valspar Championship marked a welcome return to form for the Norwegian, lifting him back to world No. 8 after a challenging period in his career.

The 27-year-old’s win at Innisbrook Golf Resort, where he closed with a final-round 67 to edge Justin Thomas by a single shot, was his first PGA Tour victory since the 2023 Tour Championship. It ended an 18-month drought and offered a much-needed boost after months of inconsistency.

Following his triumphs at the end of the 2023 PGA Tour season, which included back-to-back wins and a FedExCup title, Hovland became a central figure in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory.

However, his form deteriorated sharply afterward, leading to missed cuts, poor performances, and frequent changes in swing coaches.

In a particularly rough patch, Hovland went eight months without making the cut in a full-field event, highlighted by an opening-round 80 at The Players Championship. Disillusioned with his swing, he even considered skipping the Valspar Championship altogether.

Yet a late decision to play proved inspired, thanks in part to his decision to reunite with former coach Grant Waite. "He's one of the few guys that can solve [my swing issues]," Hovland said of Waite, who helped him achieve immediate success on his PGA Tour return.

Although Hovland claimed the win at Innisbrook, he openly acknowledged that his swing is far from where it needs to be.

"It's still the same swing," Hovland told Golf Channel. "I hit a lot of disgusting shots, but they just happen to go where I look.

"The club is just not in a great place for me coming down. It's not what it used to be. I can't really rely on my old feels anymore because the club is in a different spot and I have to change my release pattern to make that work."

Despite these challenges, Hovland’s ability to adapt and grind out a victory on one of the toughest courses on the PGA Tour proved he still has what it takes to compete with the very best in spite of his ongoing challenges.

"I think that is something that I'm extremely proud of - that I can show up at a PGA Tour event - at one of the hardest golf courses we play all year - and still win with not my best stuff,” he said.

As the Masters approaches, Hovland is determined to address the inconsistencies in his game. Augusta National demands precision, power, and a sharp short game - areas where Hovland has struggled to maintain consistency this season.

While the Valspar victory has boosted his confidence, Hovland knows the real test lies ahead. The Norwegian has yet to deliver a standout performance in major championships, having missed the cut in three of four majors last year.

If he is to contend for the Green Jacket, Hovland must continue refining his game in the weeks leading up to Augusta.

"It's going to make it really difficult for me to be in contention at Augusta if I don't rectify that problem, if I don't see the improvements there [in his swing]," Hovland admitted.