“I Need to Reset”: Why Viktor Hovland’s 2025 Season Went Wrong and How He Intends to Fix It in 2026
Viktor Hovland arrived on the PGA Tour as a force of nature. After a stellar amateur career capped by winning the 2018 U.S. Amateur, the Norwegian turned pro in 2019 and quickly established himself as one of golf’s brightest talents. His breakthrough came in 2023: three wins, including back-to-back FedEx Cup Playoff victories at the BMW Championship and Tour Championship, propelling him to the FedEx Cup title and a dominant performance in Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph in Rome. At his peak, Hovland’s ball-striking was elite, his iron play arguably the best on tour, and he ranked as high as No. 3 in the world.
But 2025 painted a starkly different picture—a season of inconsistency, lingering doubts, and only fleeting glimpses of his former brilliance. Hovland secured one victory, the Valspar Championship in March, where he rallied with late birdies to edge Justin Thomas by a stroke, ending an 18-month winless drought. It was his seventh PGA Tour title and a reminder of his clutch ability. Yet beyond that highlight, results were underwhelming: just a handful of top-10 finishes, several missed cuts early on, and rankings in key stats like strokes gained off-the-tee and overall that hovered outside the top 80—numbers unimaginable during his 2023 dominance. He finished the year around 13th-14th in the world rankings and reflected openly that the season “hasn’t been very good.”
What derailed Hovland in 2025? The issues trace back to decisions made after his 2023 peak, compounded by injuries and ongoing swing experimentation. Seeking more versatility and a sustainable pattern, Hovland introduced draw-biased elements to his naturally fading ball flight. He later called this a “poor decision,” admitting it led to overcompensation, erratic misses, and a loss of the effortless control that defined his early pro years. “I made a poor decision. That’s the game of golf for you,” he said candidly. The changes eroded his confidence, turning golf into a mechanical struggle rather than the stress-free dominance he once enjoyed.
Coaching instability amplified the problems. Hovland parted ways with long-time coach Joe Mayo (twice in recent years), briefly went solo, then cycled through others including TJ Yeaton, Denny Lucas, and a return to Grant Waite ahead of his Valspar win. This carousel disrupted continuity just as he needed stability to rebuild. Minor injuries also played a role: a freak broken toe heading into the season opener, and later a neck issue that forced a Sunday singles withdrawal at the 2025 Ryder Cup (though Europe still retained the cup, with Hovland contributing earlier points).
Mentally, the perfectionist in Hovland took a toll. Accustomed to elite ball-striking, the inconsistencies bred frustration. He withdrew from events when not feeling competitive and prioritized practice over grinding through poor form. By mid-season at the PGA Championship, he ranked low in key metrics yet acknowledged his journey back was “very much a work in progress.”
Late-year flashes—like strong play at the BMW Championship—hinted at resurgence, but the season ended quietly, with Hovland skipping some fall events amid the lingering neck concern.
Entering 2026, Hovland’s mindset is one of reset and renewed commitment. At 28, he’s young enough for multiple prime years ahead, and his talent remains unquestioned—elite iron play (often ranking near the top in approach) and a proven winning pedigree. He’s emphasized returning to fundamentals: simplifying his swing to recapture that “effortless” feel, prioritizing health to avoid setbacks, and locking in a stable coaching relationship to end the tinkering cycle.
With the Valspar victory as proof he can still close under pressure, Hovland aims to build consistency in 2026. He’s spoken of being in “a much better place” toward the year’s end and is hungry to contend in majors, where he’s come agonizingly close (including a near-miss at the 2024 PGA). A full off-season focused on recovery and refinement positions him for a rebound.
Hovland’s 2025 was a humbling chapter in a still-young career, born of ambition gone slightly awry. But the lessons learned—from swing greed to the value of patience—could forge an even stronger version. As he prepares for 2026 refreshed and refocused, the golf world watches eagerly for the return of the Norwegian who once seemed poised to dominate the game. The reset is in motion, and it may just unlock his greatest era yet.
