Viktor Hovland Optimizes Gear Ahead of Masters After Valspar Victory

Augusta, Georgia — Viktor Hovland is making a significant equipment adjustment just days before the Masters, leveraging his recent win at the Valspar Championship to boost his confidence and performance on the course.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Hovland discussed his shift to the new Ping G440 LST driver, equipped with a Fujikura Ventus Black VeloCore+ 6TX shaft. This change comes after he struggled with his previous driver and is a rare move for the normally stable Norwegian pro. Hovland’s unique decision places him in a position to optimize his swing mechanics heading into the first major of the year.

“Yeah, last couple days back in Orlando, I’d say my iron game has been really, really nice, but still was just having a hard time with the driver to get it exactly how I wanted to,” Hovland said. “So I asked Kenton (Oates) from Ping to see if he could send some of the new drivers that I tested in the past.”

Hovland’s equipment choices have typically remained constant. His current bag features clubs dating back several years, including a TaylorMade SIM Ti 3-wood from 2020 and i210 irons from 2018. Notably, he switched back to his Ping PLD DS-72 mallet putter after experimenting with other models earlier this season. The adaptability in his gear, especially for an athlete who prefers familiarity, illustrates a willingness to adapt when performance dips.

Evaluating the new driver’s specifications, Hovland noted, “I guess that new shaft is a little bit stiffer at the bottom, and with the G440, it’s way more forgiving. So the heel strikes and toe strikes I’m able to keep the ball speed up compared to the other mishits.” He emphasized tighter spin and dispersion with this setup. “Really just excited about how much tighter the dispersion was and even getting a little bit more ball speed out with the new driver,” he added.

His performance at the Valspar Championship, where he garnered over 7 strokes gained in the short game, helped him regain confidence. “I hadn’t put too much time on the putting green. I got more confidence over the ball. I think that was the issue in-tournament,” he stated. With renewed trust in his equipment, Hovland expressed enthusiasm as he prepares for the challenges at Augusta National.

Despite a previous missed cut at the Masters last year, Hovland feels optimistic about his state of readiness. “Feeling a lot better [than this time last year],” he said. “Whether we can get that out on the course and equate to a good score, that’s a different story.”

Besides club adjustments, Hovland recognized the importance of mental resilience as he prepares for the demanding conditions at Augusta. “It’s just being honest. I know how good it could truly be. It sucks when you are there and not seeing progress,” he admitted. His openness about the process reflects a deeper understanding of the game’s mental aspects.

As Tuesday’s press conference concluded, Hovland’s journey serves as a pivotal reminder: performance on the PGA Tour is not merely about physical skill but also psychological strength and the ability to adapt under pressure. His eagerness for the upcoming tournament underscores his commitment to competing at the highest level.