Viktor Hovland, the Norwegian golf prodigy known for his ice-cool demeanor and thrilling performances, is looking to turn the page in 2025 after a challenging season that tested his resolve. The 27-year-old star, once a beacon of consistency, faced hurdles in 2024 that disrupted his rhythm and confidence. Now, Hovland is determined to reclaim his place among golf’s elite and start the year with a bang.
Lessons from a tough year
Reflecting on his struggles, Hovland acknowledged the pressure and self-imposed expectations that clouded his game last year. The once-carefree golfer, who approached the sport with an effortless swing and easygoing mindset, found himself overanalyzing and struggling to replicate his early success.
“It certainly makes me cherish how I used to play golf for the first, say, four years of my career,” Hovland admitted in an interview with CBS Sports. “It’s been very effortless. Just kind of standing over the ball and knowing, ‘OK, the ball is going to start somewhere there and end up over there somewhere.’ That’s a pretty stress-free way of playing golf.”
Hovland’s words reflect a yearning to return to the fundamentals that made him one of golf’s rising stars—a return to the simplicity and confidence that fueled his meteoric rise.
Pushing too hard: The dangers of overreaching
A self-professed perfectionist, Hovland has always sought to improve his game. While this drive has brought him numerous successes, including multiple PGA Tour victories, it also led to overambition last season. Hovland revealed that his desire to constantly elevate his game created unnecessary pressure, ultimately working against him.
“I’ve always tried to push myself, and even when it was really good, I kept on pushing it—maybe setting too high expectations because I didn’t realize how good it was,” he shared. “For the most part of my career, every decision I’ve made to change something up in order to play better, it has worked.”
However, 2024 marked an exception. The adjustments Hovland made to his game, which he hoped would unlock new heights, instead sowed confusion and frustration.
A clean slate for 2025
Despite last year’s setbacks, Hovland remains optimistic about 2025. The golfer’s ability to reflect on his missteps and recalibrate his approach could be the key to his resurgence. Hovland’s career has been defined by his adaptability and work ethic, traits that give him an edge as he strives for a comeback.
With a fresh mindset, Hovland plans to focus on rediscovering the joy of the game and building on the strengths that have always set him apart. The new year offers an opportunity for redemption, and the golfing world will be watching closely as Hovland aims to reestablish himself as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
