Viktor Hovland is making a significant push at the 2025 Valspar Championship, showcasing his talents after a turbulent period marked by recent coaching changes. Known for his potential and high expectations, the Norwegian golfer has seen a dip in performance leading up to this event, but his latest rounds suggest he may be finding his footing once again.
On March 20, 2025, Hovland opened the tournament with a solid score of 1-under 70 at Innisbrook Resort. Following that, he impressed fans and critics alike on March 21, 2025, by firing a 4-under 67. This stellar second round not only placed him near the top of the leaderboard but also indicated that he might be getting a better grip on his game after a successful re-connection with swing coach Grant Waite.
"From the outside, it looks kind of chaotic but to get to the bottom of stuff you have to make decisions like that," Hovland admitted, acknowledging the various coaching changes he has undergone in recent months. Back to Waite, with whom he previously worked and now believes is key to his potential recovery, Hovland insists he is working diligently through the necessary adjustments.
Despite his early success in golf, Hovland has faced a challenging road to reclaim his top form. Just a year prior, he was fourth in the Official World Golf Ranking; however, recent inconsistencies have dropped him to 19th. This season has been particularly difficult for the young talent, with three missed cuts and not yet clinching a top-20 finish. After a tough week at the Players Championship, where he shot an unfortunate 80, doubts surrounded his play heading into the Valspar.
With both a therapeutic 1-under 70 and then a sensational 4-under 67, Hovland demonstrated considerable improvement from his erratic performance last week. "Very happy with obviously the result and the leaderboard. I still feel like I am kind of getting max out of my game right now," shared Hovland after Friday’s round. These words indicate his continued quest for consistency, as he reflects on how he needs to make his game more predictable.
Hovland is not short on motivation. He is keenly aware that putting pressure on oneself can lead to improvement. "If I wasn't hard on myself I probably wouldn't be out here," he noted, embracing a philosophy of setting high standards for himself. Yet, he also grapples with the strain that pressure can exert. "You just wake up every day and you stand over the ball, and you just expect the ball to start in that direction and go that direction and end up somewhere close to the hole. Then it starts to not do that; it's pretty frustrating," he elaborated on his frustrations, shedding light on the mental toll that golf can take.
As he stood among the top competitors during the 2025 Valspar Championship, Hovland expressed that simply being in contention means a lot to him. This tournament marks the first occasion this year in which he is slated to play on the weekend after series of missed opportunities earlier in 2025. Hovland's progression is not just critical for his own confidence but it is also crucial as he gears up for the Masters, which is just three weeks away.
With his recent performances suggesting an upward trajectory, hopes for Hovland's return to form remain robust. As the excitement builds with the Masters on the horizon, many in the golfing community are keen to observe how Hovland continues to manage his game under pressure. His determination to maintain focus on the fundamentals that brought him success in the past will be vital.
"At the end of the day, like, yes, it’s awesome being at the top of the leaderboard right now and have a chance going into the weekend. But it’s like I truly just care about the things that I’m working on," Hovland concluded, indicating a commitment to personal development and his understanding of the balance required on a competitive stage.
As the tournament unfolds, Viktor Hovland’s journey reflects not only personal ambition but also the unpredictable nature of professional golf. The next rounds at the 2025 Valspar Championship could be pivotal in shaping the upcoming tournaments, including the illustrious Masters that awaits him shortly thereafter.
