Viktor Hovland has been making headlines on the PGA Tour not just for his impressive golf skills, but also for his witty and humorous interview style. However, it seems that not everyone is a fan of the young Norwegian golfer. Michael Kim, a fellow PGA Tour winner, recently took some pointed jabs at Hovland after his birdie putt at the BMW Championship crushed Kim’s hopes of making it to the playoff final.
In a candid confession, Kim openly admitted, “Viktor and I used to be friends…” This statement sparked a lot of interest and speculation among golf fans and media alike. What could have caused this apparent falling out between two talented players? And what does it mean for their future on the Tour?
As it turns out, the root of this issue lies in their shared coach, Jeff Smith. Hovland and Kim were both coached by Smith during their collegiate careers at Oklahoma State University. However, when Hovland turned professional in 2019, he decided to part ways with Smith and seek guidance from a different coach. This decision seemed to have caused a rift between the two players, as Kim felt that Hovland’s departure was a betrayal of their friendship and loyalty to their college coach.
But that’s not all. In a recent interview, Kim went on to challenge Hovland to prove his golf skills, saying, “I don’t know if he’s proved anything yet. He hasn’t won since he left.” These comments have caused quite a stir in the golfing world, with many wondering if there is some underlying tension between the two players.
However, despite Kim’s challenges, Hovland has maintained a positive and diplomatic attitude. In response to Kim’s comments, he simply stated, “I’m just trying to play the best golf I can. I don’t really think too much about what other people say.” This shows Hovland’s maturity and focus on his own game, rather than engaging in any sort of feud with his former friend.
But let’s not forget that Hovland is no stranger to success on the PGA Tour. In just two years since turning professional, he has already secured two wins and numerous top-10 finishes. He also has an impressive amateur record, including a victory at the 2018 U.S Amateur Championship. And to top it all off, Hovland recently made his debut at the prestigious Ryder Cup, proving that he is a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
Moreover, Hovland’s decision to switch coaches has clearly paid off. Under the guidance of renowned coach Rick Kline, he has continued to develop and improve his game. In fact, Hovland’s statistics have shown significant improvement since he joined the PGA Tour. He is currently ranked 4th in strokes gained off the tee and 9th in strokes gained approach to the green, indicating his strong driving and iron play.
So, to say that Hovland hasn’t proved anything since leaving Smith would be an unfair and inaccurate statement. In fact, Hovland’s results speak for themselves, and he has undoubtedly proven that he is a talented and promising player on the PGA Tour.
As for Kim’s challenge to Hovland, it remains to be seen if the two will meet on the course anytime soon. But one thing is for sure, Hovland will continue to focus on his game and let his performance do the talking. And if their paths do cross, it will be an exciting matchup to watch.
In the end, it’s important to remember that golf is a highly competitive sport, and friendships can sometimes take a backseat to individual success. But that doesn’t mean that Hovland and Kim’s friendship is completely over. As they both continue to make a name for themselves on the Tour, it’s possible that they will cross paths again and maybe even rekindle their friendship.
In conclusion, Viktor Hovland’s humorous interview style may have made him a fan-favorite, but it seems that not everyone is on board with his success. Nevertheless, Hovland remains focused on his game and has proven himself as a rising star on the PGA Tour. As for his former friend and fellow PGA Tour winner, Michael Kim, it’s clear that there is still some lingering tension. But in the world of golf, anything can happen, and we may just see these two talented players put their differences aside and compete against each other