Viktor Hovland has rapidly become one of the most talked-about names in professional golf. With his determined attitude, technical prowess, and ever-evolving approach to the game, Hovland is entering the 2025 PGA Championship as both a fan favorite and a serious contender. In this article, we’ll explore his journey, recent form, and the mindset shift fueling his pursuit of major glory.

Consistency and Breakthrough Moments

Viktor Hovland’s performances on the PGA Tour have been marked by impressive consistency and steady improvement. A highlight this spring was his victory at the Valspar Championship, affirming his ability to win even when not playing his absolute best. Hovland himself recognizes the value of progress, stating, “What I'm happy about is the progress that I've made since right before the Valspar, and even since the Valspar. I think I'm definitely trending in the right direction.” (Perennial Major Contender Viktor Hovland Hopes to Break Through at PGA Championship)

Despite some setbacks—such as a T54 finish at the Truist Championship—his results in the majors have been strong. Hovland’s top-twenty-one finish at the Masters and a T13 at the RBC Heritage show he’s adapting and learning each week.

Embracing Change: The Golf Swing Evolution

Like many golfers, Viktor Hovland has struggled with ingrained habits and the challenges of change. Over the past two years, he’s openly discussed the difficulty of rewiring his swing to eliminate old, comfortable moves in favor of more effective techniques. Hovland’s coach, Grant Waite, explains that even swings feeling awkward can produce great results, helping Hovland separate subjective feels from objective outcomes.

In an insightful interview, Hovland shares, “Feels change all the time. I can still rely on the same old feels right now as I used to, but those feels now have changed. You're always changing, whether you're doing it consciously or unconsciously.” Learning to commit to these changes has been crucial to his growth. (How to re-wire your weird golf swing feels, according to Viktor Hovland)

Major Performances and Mindset

Viktor Hovland’s journey at the majors is a testament to his resilience. Last year, he finished third at the PGA Championship, despite not feeling confident in his game. Remarkably, he almost withdrew from the event but played on and nearly captured the title. His focus now is on improving the technical foundations of his game and harnessing experience gained from close calls.

He remarks, “I almost won a major championship without feeling good about my game at all... If I can get the rudimentary part of the game back to where it should be, I don't doubt my abilities to win a golf tournament.” This positive outlook and adaptability are key to Hovland’s ongoing success. (Perennial Major Contender Viktor Hovland Hopes to Break Through at PGA Championship)

Looking Forward to the 2025 PGA Championship

The upcoming championship at Quail Hollow presents another tough test. Hovland is well aware that the course rewards distance and consistency, especially along the challenging closing holes known as the “Green Mile.” His preparation is focused, and he’s leveraging invaluable experiences from previous majors.

While Viktor Hovland continues to refine his swing and mental approach, his achievements show a player ready to contend for his first major. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if this will be the year Hovland finally lifts the Wanamaker Trophy.

Conclusion

Viktor Hovland’s journey is inspiring for golf fans and players alike. His dedication to improvement, openness about struggles, and unwavering self-belief make him not only a top contender but also a role model in the sport. With his eyes firmly set on the PGA Championship, Hovland embodies the relentless pursuit of excellence on golf’s biggest stage.