Viktor Hovland established himself as one of the best players in the world last year, as the Norwegian won the FedEx Cup and spearheaded Europe’s Ryder Cup win – but he has made a change for 2024
Viktor Hovland has made the surprising decision to part ways with swing coach Joe Mayo despite enjoying perhaps the best year of his career.
Hovland had an incredible 2023, winning the prestigious FedEx Cup and helping Europe defeat America in the Ryder Cup. Mayo, known as “Trackman Maestro,” is acknowledged for having had a significant influence since his help changed Hovland’s short game.
Before he teamed up with Mayo at the beginning of the previous year, Hovland’s short game had been his greatest area of weakness. Mayo had a huge influence on Hovland, who became one of the best players in the world and moved up 91 spots in the PGA Tour’s strokes gained around the green.
On Wednesday, the Golf Channel did, however, disclose that Hovland has chosen to sever ties with Mayo. Many supporters who have been impressed by the Norwegian over the past year—Mayo having helped him rise to World No. 4—have been shocked by the move.
It is said that Hovland “did not want to get into details” about the decision to fire Mayo. Beginning in 2023, Mayo—who is regarded as one of the pioneers in the application of the Trackman simulator to golf instruction—started teaching Hovland. The results were immediate as he discovered a new method for striking the ball with a steeper strike.
The 26-year-old did not miss a cut the entire season after gaining fresh confidence around the greens. Beginning with the Memorial victory, he won three PGA Tour titles. Following that victory, Hovland’s lowest finish was tied-29th at the Travelers Championship.
In the Genesis Scottish Open, Hovland also tied for 25th place. From there, he tied for 13th place in three more events. Subsequently, he displayed remarkable form, emerging victorious in consecutive events, culminating in his FedEx Cup victory following his triumph in the Tour Championship at East Lake.
In the Tour Championship, Hovland persevered to finish 27 under, bettering American players Xander Schauffele and Wyndham Clark. After winning $18 million (£14.3 million) for his troubles, the Norwegian teamed up with Ludvig Aberg to defeat Brooks Koepka and Scottie Scheffler by the biggest margin of victory in fourball history at the Ryder Cup in Rome.
A new coach may or may not have been hired by Hovland as he prepares for the season-opening tournament at Kapalua in Hawaii. In the competition, he hopes to defeat Aberg, Jordan Spieth, and World No. 1 Scheffler.
