Viktor Hovland, a 27-year-old Norwegian golfer, expressed his frustrations with his game during a press conference at the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite feeling like he’s struggling, Hovland remains optimistic about his potential and believes that with time, he will overcome his current challenges. After shooting an impressive 7-under 65 in the opening round, Hovland reflected on his round, acknowledging that while he’s still not satisfied with his game, he was able to perform well on that particular day.
Hovland’s search for his ideal swing has been mentally taxing, as he navigates through a period of uncertainty and lower expectations. Despite knowing his capabilities, he is learning to accept that he may not always have his A-game and adjust his mindset accordingly. His focus is on playing decent, competitive golf while working on refining his swing away from the spotlight. Hovland aims to plot his way around the course and shoot acceptable scores, even when his game is not where he wants it to be.
The mental aspect of the game is crucial for Hovland as he strives to find a balance between caring about his performance and not being overly consumed by the results. By approaching his game with a lighter attitude, focusing on enjoying the process rather than solely on the outcome, Hovland hopes to alleviate some of the psychological toll that comes with high expectations. His goal is to have more fun on the course and not let disappointments affect his mindset, allowing him to play more freely and confidently.
As Hovland continues his search for the ideal swing and works on refining his game, he remains dedicated to improving and reaching the level of play he knows he is capable of. Whether he finds success at Pebble Beach or continues to grind behind the scenes, Hovland is committed to the journey of self-improvement and growth. Despite the challenges he faces, Hovland’s determination and positive outlook on the game of golf drive him to persevere and overcome obstacles in pursuit of his goals. By staying focused on his long-term potential and learning from each experience, Hovland believes that he will eventually achieve the success he seeks in the sport.
