‘Damn it, I shouldn’t have said that’ – Viktor Hovland puts foot in it during funny interview as moves into contention at PGA Championship
A rejuvenated Viktor Hovland has revealed he nearly pulled out of this week’s PGA Championship.
Hovland has struggled for form all season long following his surprise decision to change coaches despite his stellar play last year.
2
Hovland admits he nearly pulled out of the PGA ChampionshipCredit: GettyThe Norwegian superstar linked back up with former tutor Joe Mayo prior to the 2024 PGA Championship and it has had an instant payoff.
Hovland has shot consecutive rounds of 66 to head into Sunday’s finale at 13-under-par, just two shots off the lead.
He now has a great chance to claim his first major title at Valhalla Golf Club but has admitted his bad form recently nearly saw him withdraw.
He said: “I almost considered pulling out of this event as I wasn’t playing good at all.
Read more on golf“Taking it all into perspective like that, it’s huge.
“I just overall thought that things didn’t feel very good and when it doesn’t feel good, it’s like what’s the point in playing, I’d rather go work on it but yeah, we’re here now.”
Pressed further on how close he came to pulling out, Hovland joked: “Damn it, I shouldn’t have said that.”
He added: “When you’re playing bad, your thoughts are racing and that’s just what you’re thinking.
2
Hovland is in contention to win at ValhallaCredit: Getty“Obviously I didn’t make the decision, obviously decided to come and play here instead. I think it’s just in the moment, when you’re playing bad, you just want to go home.”
Hovland will be looking to chase down and overtake leaders Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa on the final day.
Scottie Scheffler handcuffed by police as PGA Championship descends into chaos in second round delay
He will get his round underway at 7:15pm UK time alongside Bryson DeChambeau.
Hovland knows how to get the job done having won three big tournaments on the PGA Tour last year.
He won at Memorial, the BMW Championship and the Tour Championship and was also instrumental to Europe’s Ryder Cup win last autumn.
The 26-year-old finished T2 at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill last May and will be eager to go one better this evening.
Most read in Golf
