The year 2024 has been tumultuous for Viktor Hovland, and the past week has been marked by many adversities.
He injured his right little finger, post a photo on Instagram documenting the injury. It’s something that could keep him out of the PGA Tour’s season-opening event this week, The sentry over Kapalua Plantation in Hawaiialthough he is on the list of 60 golfers entered into the tournament.
However, perhaps the biggest news is that Hovland has once again parted ways with swing coach Joe Mayo, for the second time this year. Norsk Golf reported the recent split Monday.
In May, Hovland reunites with Mayo ahead of PGA Championship at Valhalla in Louisville, Kentucky. Hovland, the 2023 FedEx Cup champion, parted ways with Mayo in early 2024 and worked with Grant Waite and Dana Dahlquist. Hovland explained these movements in March as looking for that perfectly rinsed iron shot he cherishes.
But, with a new season approaching, Hovland decided to part ways with Mayo again.
“We didn’t agree on which way to go, what’s best for me,” Hovland said. Norsk Golf. “I feel like I’ve learned so much now and have so many skills that I don’t need anyone to hold my hand anymore. It’s always good to have someone to watch what I’m doing , check the measurements I’m taking, so I send some videos to another coach, but it’s more of a consultant, I’m in charge of my tour.
Hovland hasn’t played since the Tour Championship, where he was tied for 12th. He took time off, nursing an injury to his right little finger, a stress fracture resulting from overuse of a locking grip, Hovland said. Norsk Golf. He’s now dealing with the toe, which required him to go to the emergency room in the middle of the night after injuring himself with his status as The Sentry in limbo. He said he has less pain now than after the initial injury, but he hasn’t really tested its durability yet. The injury should take 4 to 6 weeks to heal.
Hovland has played just 16 times in 2024 on the PGA Tour, missing the cut in three of the four majors, although he finished third at the PGA Championship. He played better down the stretch, but now he’s counting on himself more in 2025.
“I like that coaching is hands-on, that you recreate the challenges you face on the field,” Hovland said. Nordic golf. “But my experience is that many of those who teach this way don’t understand the biomechanics behind it. And on the other side, you have trainers who know a lot about biomechanics, but who become too abstract and theoretical in training.
“What I want to do is find a combination of those two. And then I have to go down some rabbit holes to find my way. It’s a process that’s not easy, but I’m learning a lot. And it’s my own responsibility to enter the correct information.
This article was originally published on Golfweek: Viktor Hovland and swing coach Joe Mayo split again ahead of 2025 season
