Hovland’s victory slips away: “It’s not good enough”

Viktor Hovland had the biggest prize in the PGA Tour season within reach, but his challenge unraveled on the final day. The Norwegian began the day leading the season finale and seeking to match his 2023 triumph. Instead, Scottie Scheffler took control with a four-under round, finishing six shots better than Hovland that day.

Hovland had reached 15 under par after the first three rounds. When the tournament was decided, however, he carded a two-over round. His driver was less reliable than usual, making birdies harder to find on the longest holes. A poor approach on the 17th led to a bogey and effectively ended his hopes of forcing a playoff.

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It’s a bit disappointing, and it’s not good enough that I at least couldn’t shoot under par and get into a playoff.

“It’s a bit disappointing, and it’s not good enough that I at least couldn’t shoot under par and get into a playoff,” Hovland told HBO. He had won one tournament during the season and had played strongly for three days at the Tour Championship, but Scheffler’s final round settled the contest.

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Viktor simply wasn’t good enough today, so we have to be honest about that.

Hovland said he was not overly devastated because he had still finished ahead of most of the field. He also played with a mourning band on his cap to honor King Harald, whom he had met several years ago and described as a role model for Norway.

The runner-up received about 46.5 million kroner. Hovland turned professional in 2020 and has earned roughly 450 million kroner in official prize money over six years, according to PGA figures. Fellow Norwegian Kristoffer Reitan finished 25th in the tournament after a strong debut season on the PGA Tour.

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I had the pleasure of meeting him a few years ago. He was a role model for Norway.