Viktor Hovland rallies past Justin Thomas to win Valspar Championship
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Viktor Hovland kissing the champions trophy after winning the Valspar Championship golf tournament at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida, on March 23.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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PALM HARBOUR – Viktor Hovland finally found a solid rhythm for the first time in a month, and it paid off at the Valspar Championship.
The Norwegian notched birdies on three of his final five holes to shoot a four-under 67 and win the tournament on March 23 at Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead Course in Palm Harbour, Florida.
Hovland, who missed the cut in his previous three tournaments, finished at 11-under 273 for a one-stroke victory over Justin Thomas.
“It’s still the same swing,” Hovland said. “I hit a lot of disgusting shots, but they happened to go where I look... Somehow this week I was able to hit the good shots that I can a lot more often than I have been in recent weeks.”
Hovland, 27, now has seven career victories. This is his first PGA Tour title since the 2023 Tour Championship, which capped a string of three victories in a three-month stretch.
Still, he was not full of confidence when the tournament began.
“I honestly didn’t believe I could do it this week,” Hovland said.
Even with some hiccups along the way, there was an uptick of incentive as he reached the back nine on March 23 still in the mix.
Hovland, two shots behind Thomas after the 15th hole, sank a birdie on 16th while Thomas could only make a bogey. The Norwegian then birdied his next hole to take a one-shot lead before both players bogeyed the final 18th.
“There was a bunch of guys tied at the end of my front nine,” Hovland said. “I heard some noise ahead and I knew he was probably up in front... I knew I had to make some birdies coming in.”
Thomas was not discouraged despite missing an opportunity for another victory.
“Way, way more good than bad. Today was awesome. I felt so comfortable. I felt like the only nervy swing I truly felt was the wedge on 16.”
Former world No. 1 Thomas, seeking his first win since he claimed his second Major title at the 2022 PGA Championship, added: “It sucks not winning when you’re that close and have a great chance.
“But I just hopefully put myself in the same position in two weeks at Augusta and finish it off better.”
Jacob Bridgeman, who led at the tournament’s midway mark, posted 69 and was third at 275. Bud Cauley (66), Billy Horschel (67) and Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune (68) tied for fourth at 276, one ahead of Davis Riley (69).
Hovland got things rolling late with a 13-foot birdie putt on No. 14 before birdies on two of the next three holes.
His bogey on the final hole was not a problem because Thomas had already finished his round.
It marked his second 67 of the tournament, after his second round on March 21. REUTERS
