Two Ryder Cup Europe winners start their opening rounds at TPC Sawgrass as the PGA Tour’s signature event gets underway in Florida.
Tag: Viktor Hovland
Viktor Hovland is back in style. At the 2025 Valspar Championship, the Norwegian staged a dramatic finish, carding three birdies over his final five holes to secure his seventh PGA Tour title—and his first since winning the FedExCup in 2023. His equipment? A trusted blend of Ping, a new power-packed TaylorMade fairway wood, and familiar Titleist tools.
Driver: Still Trusting the Ping G425 LST
When it comes to the big stick, Hovland sticks with what works. The Ping G425 LST driver, set at 9 degrees, continues to offer him consistent distance and control off the tee. The “LST” stands for Low Spin Technology, and it delivers a strong combination of accuracy and power. Hovland has long favored this model, and it once again proved reliable on the tight fairways of Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course.
New Addition: TaylorMade SIM Ti 3-Wood
One of the fresh additions to Hovland’s bag is the TaylorMade SIM Ti 3-wood. Set at 15 degrees, this titanium-built fairway wood features a hefty 80-gram V-shaped sole weight designed to reduce turf interaction and generate more clubhead speed. It’s a potent weapon both off the tee and from the fairway—perfect for aggressive play on longer holes.
Long Game Tools: Titleist Utility and Classic Ping Irons
Complementing his long game setup is the Titleist U505 utility iron, which Hovland continues to rely on in the 3-iron slot. This driving iron is known for its solid feel, high launch, and precision—ideal for controlled tee shots and approach play where hybrids might deliver too little spin.
From 4-iron through pitching wedge, Hovland remains loyal to the Ping i210 irons, a 2018 classic. These players’ irons pair a compact muscle-back look in the shorter irons with a thinner, more responsive face in the longer irons. It’s a setup that’s served him well over the years—and continues to do so on tour.
Short Game Update: Ping s159 Wedges
For his wedge play, Hovland has recently transitioned to the Ping s159 wedges in 50° and 56°, both with the versatile S grind. Released in 2024, the s159 line boasts sharper grooves, optimized spin, and a buttery-soft feel—ideal for a variety of conditions around the green.
Completing his wedge setup is a familiar piece: the Ping Glide 2.0 lob wedge at 60° with a T grind, allowing Hovland to get creative with delicate shots and challenging lies close to the pin.
On the Greens: Trusting the Ping PLD Prototype
On the putting surface, Hovland continues to roll with his Ping PLD DS72 prototype—the same model he wielded with confidence during his FedExCup run. Its milled face and copper finish make it both a performer and a standout in the bag. On Sunday’s back nine, it once again proved its worth.
The Ball: Titleist Pro V1
Hovland rounds out his setup with the Titleist Pro V1. Known for its slightly flatter flight and consistent spin profile, the Pro V1 delivers in all phases—especially in the short game, where its soft feel and responsive touch give Hovland the control he needs.
As bunkered.co.uk reports, Viktor Hovland will have to take the rest of the season off due to injury and will not compete in any more tournaments this year. His injury has not been specified and no further details are known. Although he is therefore short of the required minimum number of four DP World Tour tournaments, he will probably not have to worry about losing his tour card thanks to an exemption.
Viktor Hovland 2024 With a Mixed Season
Hovland had already cancelled his participation in the BMW PGA Championship in Wentworth in September. He was last seen at the Tour Championship, the final of the PGA Tour‘s FedEx Cup, which he finished in a tie for twelfth place. He had crowned his successful 2023 season with victory at this tournament.
However, the Norwegian was unable to build on his success in 2024: he went the whole year without a win, missed the cut in three of the four majors and only reached the top 10 in two tournaments, including the PGA Championship.
Due to his injury, the eight-ranked player in the world will no longer be able to compete in the Race to Dubai. He will miss both the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World Tour Championship in November.
Viktor Hovland’s “miserable” year has a miserable end. Understand he’s been sidelined for the rest of the season with injury.
— Ben Parsons (@_benparsons) October 3, 2024
Story here – including what that means for Ryder Cup – for @bunkeredgolf: https://t.co/heI5TYlgv0
Hovland’s Ryder Cup Eligibility Probably Not Jeopardised
For European players, membership of the DP World Tour is a condition of participation in the 2025 Ryder Cup, which can only be maintained by playing at least four tournaments on the DP World Tour. Although Hovland is now unable to play the required number of tournaments due to his injury, this is unlikely to be his undoing: The DP World Tour announced that an exception could be made due to the medical reason and that Hovland would be exempted from the playing obligation.
In the week before the Players Championship, Jay Monahan and Rory McIlroy spoke up to the future of the PGA Tour. More fan engagement, ongoing chats with the PIF and the new alliance with the SSG were in discussion. For Viktor Hovland all these topics are important, but the Norwegian doesn’t keep up with all the new twists and turns happening on the PGA Tour right now.
Viktor Hovland on Jay Monahan: “I want a person to take ownership of their mistakes”
“The thing is, like, I play golf for a living. I don’t know exactly what should have been done because at the end of the day I don’t have all the information”, Hovland said when being asked about Jay Monahans and Rory Mclroys latest statement regarding the PGA Tour’s future.
“As a leader of an organization, I will want a person like that to take some ownership and say, hey, we made a couple of mistakes, but this is how we’re going to rectify it, instead of kind of sweeping it under the rug, which I felt like has been done to a certain degree”, he goes on.
With the talk shifting to the possible futures of the PGA Tour and the new PGA Tour Enterprises Hovland doesn’t give mich tought into these developments. “These Signature Events, for example, they have been great for the players that are in the tournaments. I don’t know if that’s necessarily what the fans want to watch.”
On the contrary Hovland agrees to a comment from tour colleague Lucas Glover. “I’ve read Lucas Glover’s comments last week where he said having the smaller field sizes are not making it more competitive. Yes, you’re getting the best players to play, the top guys to show up, but the fields are more competitive when you have bigger field sizes. I think that’s just the fact. There’s a reason why we’re playing THE PLAYERS Championship with 144 guys.”
Hovland agrees with McIlroy in one point. “I don’t think it’s a great outlook if we keep being divided (with LIV Golf) for 10, 15 years, whatever, however long it’s going to take. There has to be some kind of decision being made in the future.” Hovland leaves open what this future might look like.
Should Hovland be more invested in this topic?
The overall impression of Viktor Hovland in terms of the PGA Tour’s development is a leaned back attitude. “Probably there’s definitely a responsibility on my side. I could have definitely gone out of my way to put more time and effort into figuring out what kind of trajectory we’re on and put myself into that debate a bit more.” But with Players like Jordan Spieth, Tiger Woods and other well known names in the Players Advisory Counsil Hovland doesn’t feel the need to stay up to date at all times. “Although, I do trust the players on the PAC to represent the players in the best way possible and I have been in communication with some of those guys to fill me in. But at the same time, I’m just not that interested in spending my free time in trying to figure out every single nuance in the situation. So, I’m trying to stay outside a little bit and play my game, because, yeah, I trust the guys on the board to kind of do their thing.”
Viktor Hovland, the fourth-ranked player in the World Golf Ranking, and fifth-ranked Xander Schauffele have both withdrawn from the WM Phoenix Open, which takes place in the American state of Arizona starting Thursday. Despite their absence, the prestigious tournament still boasts a prominent field of players.
PGA Tour: Viktor Hovland and Xander Schauffele unexpectedly withdraw
According to the PGA Tour, both players will not be part of the field at the WM Phoenix Open this weekend. Viktor Hovland’s decision not to participate has fueled speculation about a potential switch to the LIV Golf League. Although Viktor Hovland has previously questioned the leadership of the PGA Tour, he also emphasized in December that a move to the LIV Golf League is highly unlikely.
After participating in The Sentry at the beginning of January, Hovland’s appearance at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am was only his second tournament of the year. The Norwegian finished tied for 58th place there. He had a solid start in the first round but followed it with two 72s before the tournament was cut short to 54 holes. It wouldn’t be the first time he withdraws after a disappointing tournament
Xander Schauffele finished 54th at Pebble Beach, one shot better than Hovland. The two players will be replaced by Victor Perez and Alexander Bjoerk, while Ryan Fox will compensate for another withdrawal by Davis Riley.
Strong field despite withdrawals
The WM Phoenix Open will be held at TPC Scottsdale. Despite the absence of Viktor Hovland and Xander Schauffele, several other top-10 players from the World Golf Ranking, including Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Max Homa, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Brian Harman, will participate in the tournament. Other prominent names include Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Sam Burns, and Rickie Fowler, as well as former major winners Hideki Matsuyama and Adam Scott.
2023 was marked by major tournaments and outstanding shots, often coinciding. The Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup provided particularly memorable moments alongside prestigious individual events. However, even on a smaller stage, the odd shot or two caught the golf world’s attention. So, let’s enjoy the most brilliant shots of the year together.
Ryder Cup 2023: Hovland’s Pro Practice Hole-in-One Sets the Course
Leading up to the Ryder Cup, Viktor Hovland delivered an exceptional shot from over 270 meters during a practice round. The Norwegian set the stage for victory at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club with a Hole-in-One on the Par-4 of the fifth hole. Initially, the celebration was delayed, but joy knew no bounds when the ball landed on the green, took two small bounces, and rolled into the hole. While Hovland didn’t replicate the albatross during the tournament, his outstanding shot set the tone for an extraordinary performance.
? VIKTOR HOVLAND MAKES A HOLE-IN-ONE ON A PAR 4! #TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/OnsEG19UC6
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 28, 2023
On the tournament’s first day, Hovland showcased his prowess at shorter distances, delivering a remarkable chip-in despite chipping not being his forte. Hovland contributed significantly to Team Europe’s strong start in the Ryder Cup with that fantastic shot. The hosts secured a 4-0 lead on the opening day, a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
VIKTOR HOVLAND! ?#TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/olIR1Zq7Jy
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 29, 2023
Inspired by Hovland’s chip-in, Jon Rahm, also known as ‘Rahmbo,’ demonstrated his nerves of steel during the Fourballs on the first day. The Spaniard excelled in crucial moments throughout the Ryder Cup and gave free rein to his emotions after winning the hole against Scheffler and Koepka. Rahm and Hojgaard ultimately tied the match against the Americans and played a significant role in Team Europe’s dream start.
JON RAHM, WOW! ?#TeamEurope | #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/CqUUwBjtGX
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 29, 2023
Solheim Cup 2023: Ciganda’s Brilliance Leads Team Europe to Victory at Home
A week before the Ryder Cup, European women golfers showcased how winning on home soil is done. Carlota Ciganda stood out during the Solheim Cup 2023 in an exceptional home game in Andalusia, Spain. The singles at the Solheim Cup 2023 could hardly have been more thrilling, as both teams entered the final day with a tie. Almost all matches were close, with the teams alternating securing hole wins. The initial matches were split, with the USA securing four points and Europe another four.
The score was 13-13, with two matches still to play. Ciganda played a decisive role in one of these matches, ensuring the crucial point against Nelly Korda. Ciganda was already leading with ‘3 up’ after eight holes, but the tide turned on the back nine. The American won three holes and went ‘All Square’ to the 16th. Ciganda excited the fans, repeatedly regaining the lead with a birdie. On the 17th, she attacked the flag of the Par-3 with an outstanding drive. Korda missed the green on the left, and the Spaniard had no trouble securing the 14th point for her team with a short putt. Sky reporter Jamie Weir called it the “best golf shot of the year so far.” An unbelievable shot at a moment when the pressure could hardly be higher.
Given the circumstances I’m calling this the best golf shot of the year so far. Still can’t get over how she did this under that pressure. https://t.co/qOzOOHUly8
— Jamie Weir (@jamiecweir) September 25, 2023
The Solheim Cup 2023 featured another historic shot by Emily Kristine Pedersen, who not only won an essential hole for Team Europe through a hole-in-one on the par-3 12th hole but also created an unforgettable memory with only the second hole-in-one in the history of the Solheim Cup.
? SOLHEIM CUP ACE! ?
Emily Kristine Pedersen makes the second ace in Solheim Cup history on the 12th hole! ?#SolheimCup2023 pic.twitter.com/sO58VSwmM9 — LPGA (@LPGA) September 22, 2023
Incredible hole-in-one Hat-Trick at the Players Championship
The Players Championship 2023 was a record-breaking tournament. Not only did it feature the highest prize money in the history of the PGA Tour, with $25 million, but it also witnessed a parade of holes-in-one at the 17th hole. There had been ten holes-in-one in the tournament’s history on the 17th hole, and the 11th came swiftly. Hayden Buckley, who started in the second flight at the 10th hole, set the bar high and sank the ball with a single stroke. The ball landed a distance to the flag’s right and then rolled towards the hole, perfectly lining up for the jackpot.
The second hole-in-one set a record as well. On Moving Day, Aaron Rai thrilled the spectators with an ace and became part of a historic moment: The first time in 49 years of the Players Championship that two holes-in-one occurred in the same year on the 17th hole.
As if that weren’t enough, the final day was yet to come, and Alex Smalley delighted the audience with the third ace of the week.
THIRD ACE OF THE WEEK!!! @ASmalley_Golf cards a 1 on No. 17 @THEPLAYERSChamp! pic.twitter.com/Itl4abCS1Y
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 12, 2023
Near Miss Excellence: Nicolai von Dellingshausen’s Heart-Stopping Shot at the British Masters
During the British Masters, Nicolai von Dellingshausen narrowly missed a hole-in-one at the British Masters, with his tee shot on the 14th hole at The Belfry coming within two centimetres of the cup.
Wait…what? ?
As close to a hole-in-one as you’ll ever get for Nicolai von Dellingshausen ?#BetfredBritishMasters pic.twitter.com/StNmVmYXSI — DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) June 29, 2023
Sepp Straka’s Dream Shot at the Masters
The US Masters 2023 had barely begun, and Sepp Straka already had a reason to celebrate. During the preparatory round leading up to the tournament, the Austrian made a hole-in-one on the 12th hole. His caddy and the entire flight rejoiced along with the Vienna-born player for the magnificent shot.
The loudest roar of the week thus far. #themasters pic.twitter.com/ofwXwbQr7x
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 3, 2023
Sahith Theegala then caused a sensation with a stroke of genius during the tournament. The American delivered an impressive overall performance on the final day of the US Masters 2023. The 67-round of the Masters rookie was crowned by an incredible chip-in on the 16th hole. The dream shot reminded some spectators of a legendary shot from the US Masters 2005. Back then, golf legend Tiger Woods also holed the ball from a similar position, sending the audience into a frenzy.
Sahith Theegala chips in for birdie on No. 16 to move into a tie for third place. #themasters pic.twitter.com/NBtrLAW2BV
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 9, 2023
Koepka Makes it Rain at LIV Golf’s ‘Watering Hole’
The party hole at the LIV Golf event in Adelaide, Australia, lived up to its name, “The Watering Hole,” as the party hole at Hole 12 was christened at the LIV Golf League in Australia. On the final day, Chase Koepka gave the crowd a reason to celebrate, delivering an impressive hole-in-one.
HOLE-IN-ONE FOR CHASE KOEPKA! ?#LIVGolf pic.twitter.com/hFyd1qLopw
— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) April 23, 2023
Michael Block’s PGA Championship Fairy Tale
Michael Block delighted fans as the underdog at this year’s PGA Championship. As the only PGA Professional to make it to the weekend of the 2023 PGA Championship, he entered the final round from the top 10 after three rounds in the 70s, alongside none other than Rory McIlroy. Fans celebrated him as a star, and he crowned his week with a hole-in-one on the 15th hole. The fan favourite could hardly believe that the ball landed in the hole. ‘It didn’t go in, did it?’
MICHAEL. BLOCK. ACE. #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/YitD2QLDB7
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 21, 2023
Nick Hardy’s Brilliant Birdie With a Shattered Club
Nick Hardy created a highlight on the PGA Tour with a sensational shot. His drive landed unfavourably right in front of a tree. He took the entire risk and hit the ball over the water onto the green. The club struck the tree so forcefully during the swing that it was no longer usable afterwards. However, the ball landed three and a half meters from the flag, allowing him to achieve one of the most spectacular birdies of the year. Even Billy Horschel congratulated him.
One of the best birdies I’ve ever seen! Unbelievable shot! ??? https://t.co/Q58mPhyvBC
— Billy Horschel (@BillyHo_Golf) July 27, 2023
Unbelievable. On the second day of the 2023 Ryder Cup, Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland make golf history. In the morning foursomes, the two Scandinavians dominated against none other than world number one Scottie Scheffler and his teammate Brooks Koepka. With a 9&7, the two Europeans swept the US boys off the course and thus ensured the highest Foursomes victory in the history of the Ryder Cup.
Sensational performance at the 2023 Ryder Cup by Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland
Nobody would have expected this result in a match in which Scottie Scheffler competed. The ‘9Up’ on the eleventh hole decided the record match in favor of the young Europeans. In the run-up to the match, it seemed likely that the pairing of Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka would have a good chance of winning the first match for Team USA at the 2023 Ryder Cup against the inexperienced Scandinavians. But Aberg and Hovland had other plans.
Viktor & Ludvig, history makers ?
The Ryder Cup has been played for 96 years. Their 9&7 victory is the largest foursomes win ever.#TeamEurope | #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/PS8Jq1jRMm
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 30, 2023
The failure of the US-Americans is historic. The dispatch with 9&7 is the highest win at the Foursomes in the history of the Ryder Cup. Both Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland played outstanding golf on the second day of the Ryder Cup. On the other hand, Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka also played well below their capabilities and thus enter the history books of the Ryder Cup.
“We’re meeting two strong guys, No. 1 in the world and five-time major champ, so we tried to not give them anything, and we played really, really solid”, Hovland said after their round. “Obviously we didn’t meet a sharp Scottie and Brooks but we played some really nice golf today.”
“I don’t think we could have done a whole lot better. It’s nice to kind of speak our own language and we understand each other. Obviously same humour, same culture. Ludvigs’s a stud. He doesn’t miss a shot, so it’s easy when I’m playing well and he’s playing well and we are just feeding off of each other.”
Ludvig Aberg couldn’t quite believe what was happening. “For me it’s unbelievable, but obviously today was quite surreal at times. Almost pinch myself at times but obviously super happy with it and looking forward to this afternoon.”
Scottie Scheffler reacts emotionally to historic defeat
Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland put pressure on the two US Americans right at the start of the match. After Team Europe won four foursomes the day before, the confidence of the two Europeans was palpable. The first four holes all went to the duo from Scandinavia, on the front nine the two played five birdies and were already in the lead with ‘7Up’. On the back nine, two quick birdies and the resulting hole wins followed and the historic match had already come to an end. After the record defeat Scottie Scheffler let his emotions run free.
It hurts because you care.
The #RyderCup brings out all the emotions. pic.twitter.com/2Cn6yc7oTA
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 30, 2023
Team Europe is off to a historically good start in the 2023 Ryder Cup, putting itself in an ideal position for the remainder of the tournament. Team USA, on the other hand, urgently needs to find its way into the tournament in order to increase the pressure on the Europeans and still turn the tide.
In a tight match at the 2023 Ryder Cup against Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, Viktor Hovland and Tyrrell Hatton secured half a point, after going 2 Down on the back nine. They were paired together on Friday afternoon in the fourballs.
Tyrrell Hatton and Viktor Hovland at the 2023 Ryder Cup
Q. Try to describe for us what goes through your mind and your body when you hole such a crucial putt on the 18th in front of this enormous crowd?
VIKTOR HOVLAND: It was about time the ball went in. I felt like we played some really good golf today, and the Americans played some great golf as well and they kept pushing us and yeah, — to make a putt like that on the last hole that was huge for the team.
Q. 2 DOWN and five to play; Tyrrell, how deep did you have to dig against such a formidable pairing? They have never been beaten in four-ball.
TYRRELL HATTON: Yeah, it was always going to be a tough task. But we both played great today. And like he said, it was nice to finally see a putt go in there on the last. It was a tough match but we just kept plugging away, gave ourselves opportunities and yeah, ultimately by the end we’re happy with half a point.
VIKTOR HOVLAND: I thought one of us needed to make the putt and to make that one was really cool. Put a little bit more pressure on J.T. there.
Q. Both of you won your matches this morning. How much does it mean to still contribute something this afternoon?
TYRRELL HATTON: Yeah, the team went out this afternoon in a good mood. Although we found ourselves 2 DOWN through, what is it, 13? We feel like we played decent and putts weren’t really dropping for us.
So yeah, obviously Viktor to hole the putt on the last was amazing. I think I almost corkscrewed into the ground fist-pumping. Yeah, they might need to prepare that one before anyone has that putt.
VIKTOR HOVLAND!!! ????#TeamEurope | #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/KCe0pWZn5Y
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 29, 2023
The Scandinavian duo Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland proved a success in Friday morning at the 2023 Ryder Cup. Against Max Homa and Brian Harman they brought home a 4&3 victory, making the second point for Team Europe. The Europeans secured all four possible points in the foursome matches.
Quotes from Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland at the 2023 Ryder Cup
Q. Is the Ryder Cup as incredible as you thought it would be?
LUDVIG ÅBERG: I think so. The crowds were unbelievable here today, and we could really feel that support and that’s what we need to keep winning points here in Rome, so it was a lot of fun today.
Q. How does it feel whether you’re out here are the energy from the crowd and the momentum Europe had, how much did you really ride that through the course that match?
VIKTOR HOVLAND: It was such a big difference compared to Whistling Straits. Normally I keep my head down and just play, but I’m trying to really get the crowds going and just use them because they want you to play well and they want to support you. So it was such a good start, and we’re going to keep it going.
Viktor Hovland, the golf sensation from Team Europe, has had a remarkable individual season. As he steps into the much-anticipated Ryder Cup 2023, he expresses his eagerness to translate his individual accomplishments into a unified team victory. Despite the exceptional year, Hovland maintains a team-first perspective, emphasizing that personal achievements “go out the window” when it comes to the Ryder Cup. The motivation to bring the Cup back to Europe, especially after the events of two years ago, remains high among all team members.
Hovland eyeing a turnaround from last Ryder Cup
Hovland reflected on his experience at Whistling Straits two years ago, acknowledging the challenges Team Europe faced against a strong U.S. Team: “I felt like I played okay, but I lacked the special things in the matches to where you really flip the momentum around and you can build on a big putt or an up-and-down or maybe a chip-in or something like that. That just wasn’t there”. This year, he brings a more refined game, supplemented with improvements in the short game and a series of accomplishments throughout the year, fostering a belief and confidence that he can extract himself from any situation.
Sharpening the Short Game
The acknowledgment of his limitations around the greens led Hovland to seek guidance from Joe Mayo at the start of the year. With Mayo’s insights into the physics of the short game, Hovland has been working meticulously to enhance his capabilities, understanding the essential differences in approach needed for long drives and short games. “He basically just explained the physics of why I didn’t have a great short game before. It wasn’t because I wasn’t talented enough or I didn’t have the “hands” to do it. I was essentially just getting a little too shallow into the ball and getting way behind it.”
Hate at the Ryder Cup 2023
Hovland was asked about the changing of the rivalry at the Ryder Cup. The reporter reffered his question to former players like Paul McGinley: “Talking to guys like Paul McGinley, he speaks a lot about the rivalry that used to be more clear in the way that Europeans played in Europe, Americans played in America. Nowadays, you guys pretty much all play together. You’ve grown up with Collin Morikawa. How does it affect the rivalry of the Ryder Cup, in your opinion?”
“I can’t speak for the guys that played in the past,” Hovland said, “but it seems that we probably hate each other less than guys used to in the past. “But sure, hate is a big motivator to do well. That’s just a fact. But I think where we are now, we’re more motivated maybe to win for our country and continent. We want to win for Europe. It’s not so much to — obviously we want to beat the Americans. We enjoy that. “But it’s not because we hate the other team. It’s because we love Europe and we want to do well for the people that support us.”
The Role and Impact of Rankings in the Ryder Cup
Despite being one of the highest-ranked players in Team Europe, Hovland downplayed the emphasis on World Rankings: “It just goes out the window this week. Whatever technically the 12th ranked player on the team could be the best player on their team right now, so just because someone is ranked a little bit higher on the World Rankings doesn’t mean that they’re going to be tougher to beat this week.”
(This text was created with the help of AI)