It’s easy to forget that Viktor Hovland is still the reigning Tour champion. By this time last year, the Norwegian had four top-ten finishes. He was preparing the launchpad that saw him rake in $34.5 million, three silverwares, and the Ryder Cup. Hovland recorded a Top-20 in each of the four majors, including a T2 at the PGA Championship. 

A year later, Hovland is seemingly lost! Apparently, he wants to go back to 2021, when his swing was perfect. Actually, it wasn’t perfect; that was last year, but his 2020–21 swing was to his heart’s content. Already into his second coach this year, how long will it take before we spot golf’s baby-faced assassin on the greens again?

Why has Viktor Hovland gone missing? 

Ironically, not Tiger Woods, but Hovland fulfilled a once-in-a-month promise. The 26-year-old has appeared in six tournaments so far, with zero top-tens to his name. His best performance came at the Genesis Invitational (T19). That was followed by a T62 at THE PLAYERS and then a missed cut at the Masters.

Following this, Hovland withdrew from the RBC Heritage for undisclosed reasons. Not that participating in the $20 million purse events is mandatory this season, but the Norwegian was in the field in the past four Signature events. Moreover, the RBC Heritage withdrawal was his second this year.

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Previously, Hovland pulled out of the WM Phoenix Open. A close associate revealed the Norwegian was feeling frustrated and cursed after the T58 in AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Notably, Hovland is also not listed in the field for the Zurich Classic. The 26-year-old said he preferred to stay at home and practice rather than play in a tournament only to flounder. That might explain his shocking withdrawals and prolonged absence.

If Viktor Hovland makes an appearance before the PGA Championship on May 16, it is likely to be at the Byron Nelson or Wells Fargo Championship. The latter, being a signature event, is likely to draw a strong field. But before that, the reigning Tour champion is looking to perfect his swing. 

Is Viktor experimenting on himself? 

You are not Viktor Hovland. Or, for that matter, anyone else on the PGA Tour. He was winning a lot last season, but his heart wasn’t beating at the same tempo as countless fans. The six-time PGA Tour winner changed his swing coach, Joe Mayo, roping in Grant Waite. But at the Masters, he was spotted with Dana Dahlquist, his fourth coach in the last year.

“It’s going to sound a little dumb, but I actually prefer my golf swing better in 2021. Kind of early 2021, I feel like my ball striking was the best. I think—now don’t get me wrong, I definitely swung it well last year—but it wasn’t as good as I would have wanted.”

That, though, is in his nature. Hovland is an explorer. Not just of golf, but of many things. He has always taken pride in his independence. As a teenager, the six-time PGA Tour winner was already checking YouTube videos to improve his swing, quizzing his coaches about new techniques. The process has stayed the same, and Hovland is seeking an answer to a problem that doesn’t even exist for most.