Viktor Hovland sinks remarkable Ryder Cup par-four hole-in-one — a day too soon
It was the most beautiful shot in a golfer’s career, but Viktor Hovland’s incredible hole-in-one on Thursday had a sad aftertaste since it came 24 hours too soon.
The Norwegian lit up Rome’s Marco Simone Golf Club with an incredible ace on the par-four fifth hole while participating in the final practice round before the 44th Ryder Cup begins on Friday.
The 26-year-old hit his drive 376 yards from the tee to the flag, avoiding the traditional path of laying up on the fairway. His ball comfortably sailed over the lake around the green before dribbling into the cup.
Hovland was surrounded by his European colleagues after loud shouts from the spectators at the green made their way back up the fairway to the tee.
Hovland was serenaded as he made his way to the hole while hearing the familiar European cries of “Olé, olé, olé, olé.” He then picked up his ball and threw it into the crowd.
The same supporters will be rooting for Team Europe skipper Luke Donald and company as they attempt to revenge a humiliating loss at Whistling Straits in 2021.
They have a star in Hovland who is more than capable of changing the tide. The former Oklahoma State University student went 0-3-2 in his Ryder Cup debut two years ago, but since then, he has improved to become one of the best players in the competition.
Hovland’s rise to world No. 4 this season, which was fueled by three PGA Tour victories and at least top-13 performances in each of the four majors, has assured him to better his performance in the competition.
“I felt like I played okay [in 2021], but I lacked the special things in the matches where you really flip the momentum around,” Hovland said to reporters on Tuesday.
“I feel like I’m a lot more accomplished this time around with all the work I’ve done on the short game and some of the accomplishments I’ve made in the last few tournaments and throughout the year,” the player said.
“There’s a belief and confidence that I can get myself out of any situation, and I think that’s a huge turnaround from where I was last time,” the speaker said.
Although the US is led by No. 1 in the world, Scottie Scheffler, Team Europe features three of the top four players, Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Jon Rahm of Spain. However, Hovland thinks rankings are “out the window” this week.
The ambition to win the Ryder Cup for Europe still burns brightly, even if it stops short of the open antagonism that has notably flared out during prior competitions, including the “War on the Shore” in 1991.
Hovland stated, “I can’t speak for the people that played before, but it appears like we definitely hate each other less than guys used to.
“It’s true that hatred is a powerful motivation for success. However, given our current situation, we may be more driven to succeed for our nation and continent. For Europe, we aim to triumph.
“Of course, we like beating the Americans, but it doesn’t mean we despise the other team. We do it because we cherish Europe and care about the people who support us.
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