Viktor Hovland’s performance at Wentworth has been a study in contrasts. Despite his excellent position on the leaderboard, Hovland is critical of his own game, especially his driving. He candidly shares his frustrations, acknowledging the stress it adds to his play. However, Hovland remains optimistic about his upcoming role as part of Team Europe in the Ryder Cup. He believes in the team’s strength and success, citing their familiarity and experience. The video also covers Rory McIlroy’s turbulent day, the struggles of Rasmus Højgaard, and the disqualification of Marcel Siem. Join us as we dive into the world of golf and explore the ups and downs of these top players.
Some days in sport defy all logical explanation and this is one of them. Imagine standing near the top of the leaderboard at Wentworth. Yet feeling as if every golf swing is fighting you. That’s the reality for Victor Havland whose brutally honest self assessment seems at odds with the numbers he’s posting. While his scores of 67 and 66 at the PGA Championship have put him in excellent contention, Havland admitted after his Friday round, “There were shots out there on the West Course that genuinely hurt my soul. So, what’s really going on?” Despite the scoreboard, Havlin’s golf game has been in a state of flex all year, especially when it comes to driving. He doesn’t shy away from discussing his technical troubles openly, even when most players might choose to hide them. It’s a lot more stressful than golf should be, he confessed. I’m stepping up with a plan, trying to hit a ball low and left. And suddenly, everything I’m trying to avoid, I’m doing. It’s hard not to get frustrated. But here’s where it gets controversial. Even when Havlin feels technically lost, he manages to compete at the highest level. He adds, “Earlier this year, I shot an 80 at the Players Championship, then came back and won the very next week. That’s not how I used to approach the game, and I’d prefer to avoid that roller coaster. But I have to give myself some credit for continuing to battle even when the game feels off. Honestly, being in this position after two rounds, given how uncomfortable I am off the tea, is pretty incredible,” Havlin continued. I’m just fighting to put the ball in play, not miss wildly and end up in the trees. But I do hope for a time when golf feels less stressful. Looking ahead, Havland is set to compete for team Europe at the Rder Cup, just a stroke back from leader Hideki Matsyama, whose electric 64 set the pace. Justin Rose and Levig Aubar share Havlin’s score at 11 under, making for a tight leaderboard. And this is the part most people miss. Havland is bullish on Europe’s chances at Beth Paige despite their rare victories on American soil. Just look at the record, he said after starring for Europe in Rome two years ago. Almost all of our squad from the last Rder Cup is returning with the same captain. We know what works and that certainty gives us an edge. Boldly, Havsand observed that the American side could be struggling with new faces and new leadership, hinting at potential team weaknesses. our cohesion and experience the secret weapons in team sports. Meanwhile, on a roller coaster day, Rory Mroy flirted dangerously with the cutline after dropping three shots in his opening five holes. He rallied with five birdies but unraveled on the final hole, carding a painful double bogey for an even par 72. At the halfway mark, Mroy finds himself eight shots behind Havland, sharing his score with Shane Lowry, who posted a 74. John Rom sits at four under, while Robert McIntyre trails at minus two. More worrisome for team Europe is the unexpected early exit of Rasmus Hoygard, who automatically qualified for Luke Donald’s Rider Cup squad, but finished five overpar and missed the cut. In a twist sure to spark debate, Marcelium was disqualified after it was revealed he played the wrong ball on the closing hole of his opening round. A mistake that’s rare but always controversial. So here’s the burning question. Do you believe a player’s candid honesty, technical struggles, and mental resilience matter more than cold stats and scores? Or is winning all that counts regardless of what’s going on beneath the surface? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Who do you think has the real edge heading into the RDER Cup? And does Havlin’s approach make him a stronger player or open him up to risk? Let’s get the conversation started below.
