Is Victor Hovland Still Lacking a Major Victory to Secure His Place as the Top Male Golfer?
Sneak Peek at the 2025 US Open: Viktor Hovland's Time to Shine?
The stage is set at Oakmont Country Club for a thrilling battle as Viktor Hovland eye's a potential third Major Championship win at the 2025 US Open.
Taking a leap into the professional world in 2019, Hovland claimed his PGA Tour card and in no time amassed an impressive seven wins stateside. He even managed to secure the prestigious FedEx Cup in 2023 and maintained a top-five ranking in the Official World Golf Ranking for an extended period.
However, the one glaring absence in his trophy cabinet is, of course, a Major title.
Hovland has come astonishingly close, with his strongest Major performances being a T2 finish at the 2023 PGA Championship and a T4 at the 150th Open in 2022. His 2019 US Open appearance saw him finish an impressive T12, making it his best showing in the tournament so far.
Viktor Hovland's Top Major Finishes:
🏆 2023 PGA Championship - T2🏆 2025 PGA Championship - 3rd🏆 2023 Masters - T7🏆 2022 Open Championship - T4🏆 2021 Open Championship - T12🏆 2019 US Open - T12
After a successful run in 2023, Hovland's performance has tide-ebbed somewhat, managing just one win - the 2025 Valspar Championship - since. In 2025, his top ten finishes have been scarce, with a solitary win and four missed cuts in 12 starts this year.
A niggling injury cut his 2024 season short, and the departure from mentor Joe Mayo contributed to a poor campaign, marking their second split in just 15 months. Hovland failed to win throughout a single season for the first time in his career and showed a significant drop in his top-10 count.
However, things are looking up for the Norwegian, as he's starting to regain his form. Currently, he's in the top 20 for Birdie Average and 9th for Strokes Gained: Approach The Green on the PGA Tour. His iron play and putting have been impressive throughout the third Major, keeping him in contention for a coveted Major trophy.
Ready to Make Major Waves:
Following the second round, Hovland remained positive, stating, "I've definitely felt better about my swing. But still haven't been overly confident in my ball-striking up until recently. I feel like a couple times if it would have happened at another tournament, for example, I could have potentially lost my mind there a little bit. But I kept things together very well."
Reflecting on his 2019 US Open performance, when he finished T12 as an amateur, he's ready to build on that foundation and take the next step. With his current form and mental strength, it remains to be seen if he can break through and secure victory at the 2025 US Open.
Stay tuned for more updates on Hovland and his competitors as the tournament unfolds!
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Hovland may be in contention for a Major title, but he's not alone. Seasoned players such as Tommy Fleetwood, Rickie Fowler, and others find themselves without a Major win to their name. Keep an eye on these and other talented players as they continue to pursue their elusive Major triumphs.
During the 2025 US Open, Hovland's golf shoes will likely be put to the test on the Oakmont Country Club's challenging greens, as he seeks to add a Major title to his impressive sports accolades.
In the midst of the sports-analysis discussions surrounding the tournament, Hovland's golf game will be under scrutiny, with particular focus on his improved iron play and putting – key elements that could propel him to a Major victory.