Norwegian star gearing up for third appearance and better prepared to use the valuable lessons learned in Wisconsin four years ago
More celebrations for Viktor Hovland of Norway. (Image: Maddie Meyer/PGA of America/PGA of America via Getty Images)
Inspired Viktor Hovland has gone from timid to tiger at The Ryder Cup.
And the Norwegian star has vowed to take the lessons from his chastening opening experience on US soil and roar again at Bethpage.
Hovland was a guaranteed pick for skipper Luke Donald as he announced the selections to complete his side for the clash at the end of this month.
Four years ago at Whistling Straits, the Scandinavian made a weak start to his career in the high-octane event when part of the visiting side blown away by both the home fans and team as Steve Stricker’s side romped to a hefty triumph.
Hovland managed just a point during the Yank blitz, but, with that valuable experience under his belt, he fired back spectacularly in Rome and was a hero as Donald’s side stormed to success.
The 27-year-old was magnificent at Marco Simeone as he cast aside the frustrations of the first outing to shine with a superb showing which included a record 9&7 foursomes hammering of World No.1 Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka alongside partner Ludvig Aberg.
Now Hovland returns across the Pond with a Europe team looking to take another bite out of the Americans in the cauldron of New York.
Amongst the game’s elite, he is ready to write the wrongs of Wisconsin in the Big Apple as he said: “Without speaking too much about the results from 2021, it was very valuable for me. Just from one perspective of getting to be in a team room with literally legends of the game, guys that I’ve looked up to my entire life.
Viktor Hovland and Tyrell Hatton greet fans following the first day of the Ryder Cup. (Image: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire)
“Just to be in that team environment and play against a very demanding US crowd, especially when we didn’t have any European fans there.
“I think I was a bit more timid there in 2021. In 2023, being on the other side of the pond and coming off the best golf of my career, I was just way more ready for the experience.
“I’m hoping to channel that, even though we won’t be at home this time around. I think we’re all going to be ready when we stand on the first tee.
“It’s unbelievable. It feels awesome. I can feel my palms are getting really sweaty. I’m super excited to get going and seeing everyone.
“It is hard to describe. Golf is an individual sport. You get up every day and it’s just you on the golf course practising. I do really miss the team aspect of golf that we had for myself in college.
“When you get to represent 11 other guys, your captain, vice-captains and all the fans that are rooting for us, it definitely feels like you’re part of something a lot bigger than yourself. I think deep inside, that’s ultimately what we want to do.“
Regardless of the final qualifying points list, Donald was always likely to have Hovland integral to the Euro plans as he sets about finding the solutions for Bethpage.
As well as running into form, the former FedEX champion also has an infectious personality which seeps throughout the team room and the camp.
Donald explained: “I just look at his energy and his smile. Victor is one of my favourite humans. He really is a good guy, but I’m always so impressed with how dedicated he is to his craft. How much he puts into it. How much he wants to succeed. He was a lion for us in Rome and he will continue to be that in Bethpage.”
