Viktor Hovland is frustrated. So are a lot of professional golfers.
No one knows what the future of the professional game is going to look like. But Hovland doesn’t like the way it’s trending. He said as much on a recent appearance on Claude Harmon III’s podcast.
When asked where the game was heading, Hovland said he wasn’t sure. “Obviously, the LIV is bringing in a lot of money to the sport and there’s a lot of competition, which I think is good. But it seems to have been a response from the PGA Tour’s side, that OK … it’s just more talk about the money, and I think that’s a little bit sad.
“Now, money is important, and everyone needs to get paid accordingly, in a fair way, but I don’t think that needs to be like the driving force behind this or the story every single week.”
Hovland’s ideal answer began with a story about the John Deere Classic. He said if the event raised its winner’s prize to $6 million, it would be great, however, “I’d much rather win a Memorial or a tournament like that,” said Hovland, who did win the Memorial, Jack Nicklaus’ tournament in Ohio, last year.
“Because the history and the golf course and Jack and something like that,” Harmon responded. To which Hovland agreed.
Harmon, who coaches golfers across the world and on both tours, said Dustin Johnson was seen watching the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational a couple weeks ago. Johnson won the Genesis in 2017. It’s a tournament and course Johnson loves.
“That’s the thing. You’re going to have those memories of winning that event, seeing your name on that trophy and the history of all the names,” Hovland said.
Added Harmon: “Jack standing there when you walk off.”
“Yeah, that’s pretty cool,” Hovland responded. “Obviously the paycheck is nice as well, but that’s … if that’s what you’re remembering by the end of the week, that feels a little bit soulless, in my opinion.
“I don’t know what the path forward is, to be honest. It’s been a little sad, but I try not to think about it too much. It’s a little comical, to be honest, to see what’s going on in the game of golf. But I hope there’s a resolution in the future. Because at the end of the day, I just want to compete at the best golf courses, the best tournament, against the best players.
“And it’s as simple as that. However that’s going to happen, I don’t know, but that’s what I would like to see.”