Viktor Hovland to reporter: "I think my track record speaks for itself"

Viktor Hovland has defended trying to change his golf swing following the most successful spell of his career, insisting: "I think my record speaks for itself."

After the Norwegian golf star played a starring role in Europe's comfortable 2023 Ryder Cup victory, it was suggested by many that 2024 would be the year Hovland would finally get his hands on a major championship. 

That's because in the months prior to the Ryder Cup he played like a man possessed. 

He captured his fourth PGA Tour title at the Memorial Tournament then added more victories at the BMW Championship and Tour Championship. 

Hovland made no secret of how much instructor Joe Mayo helped him transform his game. 

So it was a surprise to see the duo part ways at the turn of the year. 

The two are back together now and their work has already paid dividends given Hovland pushed Xander Schauffele and Bryson DeChambeau all the way at the PGA Championship last month. 

Hovland even made the stark admission he contemplated not even playing at Valhalla as he was all at sea. 

Talking to reporters ahead of his title defence at Muirfield Village this week, Hovland insisted that his decisions to constantly tinker have usually, almost always, paid off. 

A reporter put it to Hovland that after immediately finding success when returning to Mayo, it would perhaps suggest the golfer could be a bit more patient. 

"That's probably a good observation," Hovland said.  

"And [a] good lesson that I've drawn from the past few months. But I also think, like, looking back, I've given this some thought, I'm a completely different player than I was when I first came out here, and every single thing that I've done since turning pro has led me to become a better player."

He continued: "I got a longer driver, I fastened my back swing, I got a little bit stronger in the gym, I started doing AimPoint on greens, whatever it might be, like every single thing that I've done has helped me to play better golf. 

"So I don't think I need to completely throw the baby out with the bath water, but definitely have to maybe spend a little bit more time and make sure that if I'm going to go in a different direction it's maybe a little bit more planned out, or need more data supporting that decision. 

"But, yeah, probably, I mean, the classic saying, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.' 

"I mean, you need a very good and valid reason to try to change something if it's already working, but I do kind of think my track record speaks for itself."

Elsewhere, Hovland confirmed his intetions to play in the 2024 Olympic Games. 

He represented Norway in Tokyo during the pandemic but is eager to get back. 

"I've never been to Le Golf National, which they're playing it at," he said.  

"I've heard lots of good stuff about the golf course and obviously watching the Ryder Cup there a few years ago, it looks like a great spot and, yeah, hoping for some hardware for team Norway."

Watched our latest YouTube video?