Viktor Hovland Opens Up on Swing Changes Ahead of PGA Championship

Quail Hollow, NC – Viktor Hovland shared insights about his golf swing ahead of the PGA Championship, emphasizing honesty and determination in his quest for improvement. As the tournament approaches, he reflected on the challenges of mastering his game.

"If you’re not able to compete, at least for me, I don’t want to be out there and play," Hovland said. He expressed a preference for focusing on improving rather than just making the cut. "I’d rather spend that week trying to get better."

Despite facing difficulties, Hovland maintains confidence in his abilities. He recounted his third-place finish at last year’s championship, stating, "I didn’t feel good about my game at all, and I still nearly pulled it off." His experiences resonate with golfers everywhere, who often struggle with their technique.

"It’s not fun when you’re out there trying to predict a certain golf shot, and the ball flight does the opposite," Hovland admitted. Even in tough times, he trusts his capacity to improve. "I don’t doubt my abilities to get the ball in the hole."

During the press conference, Hovland spoke about the difficulties of reworking a swing. "Feel is so subjective," he explained. He emphasized that he cannot rely on past feelings, as they change over time, and instead focuses on achieving solid results.

"If you can’t equate your feels to a good shot, then that’s also no good," he added, explaining the importance of understanding what actually happens during a swing.

Hovland also outlined his approach to practice, saying, "It’s not necessarily a reps thing. You’re just ingraining the movement you already have even deeper. You kind of have to deconstruct it."

As he prepares for Quail Hollow, he is focused on refining his swing to regain his signature accuracy. "You’ve got to drive it long and straight. And that’s usually the best part of my game – but, lately, it hasn’t been," he said.

Currently, Hovland is striving to return to his old reliable fade off the tee, recognizing the importance of being consistent. He stated, "If I can get the ball consistently in the fairway, I can still score."

As other golfers may experience similar struggles with their swings, Hovland’s journey serves as a reminder that improvement is a continual process. He plans to put in the work necessary to restore his game.

With the tournament on the horizon, Hovland’s dedication and willingness to address his flaws exemplify a commitment to excellence in golf.