Viktor Hovland deals LIV Golf big blow with blunt two-word response to transfer
Viktor Hovland ends all talk of a move to LIV Golf, as wait for last-minute deals move into final week.
Viktor Hovland has dealt LIV Golf a big blow by confirming he will not be leaving the PGA Tour to join them this season.
Hovland, 26, has been heavily linked with a move to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League ever since its inauguration in 2022.
In 2023, Hovland said "nothing is ruled out" where a move to LIV Golf was concerned.
The rumours have picked up even more pace in recent weeks, especially with Hovland having decided to skip a couple of events to start the year - and LIV Golf yet to reveal their final signings ahead of their first event.
Hovland gives blunt two-word response to LIV Golf talk
However, the Norwegian superstar has this weekend played down any chance of him joining LIV Golf ahead of their first event in Mexico next week.
So much so, Hovland is confirmed in the field for next week's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, a signature event on the PGA Tour.
The head of communications at the Norwegian Golf Association, Tom Rosenvinge, asked Hovland about rumours he is going to join LIV Golf next week.
Hovland bluntly responded:
It is believed Hovland was the target to be an equity stakeholder in Martin Kaymer's LIV Golf team, Cleeks GC.
Hovland's latest comments come after he confirmed former PGA Tour pro Grant Waite is his new golf coach for 2024.
Although Hovland is not yet a major champion, he is the regining FedEx Cup champion and arguably considered the best player in the world.
Hovland is officially the World No.4.
LIV Golf on verge of two big signings
It is understood Tyrrell Hatton is the most likely of the big PGA Tour names left to make a move to LIV Golf in 2024.
Hatton does, however, remain in the field for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am next week.
Revealed: Why Tyrell Hatton's move to LIV Golf is being held up
Should England's Hatton move to LIV Golf he is expected to join Jon Rahm's new team, which will reportedly be called Legion XIII.
It is believed both Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent will also join Rahm's team.
Should Hatton indeed switch to LIV Golf this season, it would end his participation on Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's new tech-infused golf league, the TGL.
Part of the deal for joining TGL is that players remain committed to the PGA Tour.
Ryder Cup reject Adrian Meronk is also expected to move over to LIV Golf despite having earned his first-ever PGA Tour card.
The giant Pole is apparently going to link up with Kaymer's Cleeks GC.
But all of the above deals are unconfirmed.
With less than a week remaining until the start of the LIV Golf season, you would expect an announcement will be made soon.
Do you think Hatton and Meronk will join LIV Golf? Share your thoughts and comments over on the GolfMagic social media channels.
Andy first joined the brand on a month's work experience back in April 2011, and he now assumes the Editor role. When Andy joined GolfMagic it was a small site with potential.
