Viktor Hovland Shoots Stunning 65 Despite Recent Game Struggles At Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Viktor Hovland shot an impressive 65 at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, just a day after claiming his game "sucks." Despite the low score, the Norwegian remains dissatisfied with his overall performance.
Man wearing knit hat and hoodie
Hovland, who nearly withdrew from the tournament due to his game's current state, acknowledges he's undergoing a significant rebuild of his technique. Even after shooting seven-under, he merely commented that he "sucked a little less today."
The 2023 FedEx Cup champion explained that while he can still navigate Pebble Beach under favorable conditions, fundamental issues persist in his game. "I'm still not happy with my game, how it looks, but that doesn't mean that I can't have great individual days or great individual tournaments," Hovland said.
Coming off his best career season in 2023, Hovland maintains high standards for his performance. He's working on managing expectations while rebuilding his game, focusing on making smart decisions even when not playing his best golf.
Two men recording in lakeside setting
Notably, Hovland remains skeptical of seeking mental coaching, preferring to focus on technical improvements. "When the ball is going all over the place and you're paying a guy to sit there and say 'just be positive,' that kind of grinds my gears a little bit," he explained, emphasizing his belief that better fundamentals naturally lead to improved mental state.
Despite his current struggles, Hovland's 65 puts him just one shot off the lead at Pebble Beach, proving that even during a rebuild, his talent remains evident.