Despite a $12M Tiger Woods Upset, Viktor Hovland Might Not Chose LIV Golf For Just the Money

Even if Viktor Hovland joins LIV Golf in the future, it certainly would not be for money. The Norwegian star may not have won any majors this year, but his paycheck got a major boost. The three victories and many other great finishes have made Hovland a deserving nominee for the PGA Tour 2023 Player of the Year.

After gaining exceptional accomplishments on the Tour, Hovland’s name was recently added to another nominee list. He was speculated to join the PIF-backed league LIV Golf for a lucrative deal. However, Hovland’s end-of-the-year paycheck hints that he may not join LIV Golf for money.

Viktor Hovland’s mighty paycheck in 2023

After making his debut in 2019, this is the biggest year Viktor Hovland has had, including his victories and career earnings. Although Hovland was left disappointed after losing to Rory McIlroy and lost to Tiger Woods for the PIP bonus, he earned his millions in many ways.

The Norwegian native won thrice this year and was crowned the FedExCup Champion. That win got Hovland, a hefty $18 million prize purse. Additionally, winning the Memorial Tournament and the BMW Championship earlier this season added much leverage to his 2023 paycheck.

Although the 4th in the world missed out on the $15 (1st) or $12 (2nd) million bonus on PIP, he was still seventh on the list, acquiring a $5 million bonus. In 2023 alone, the FedExCup champion earned $31,998,474 only through his victories and 9 top 10 finishes. Adding the $5 million from PIP and $1.4 million from Comcast Business Tour Top 10, the 2023 career money for the Norwegian golfer is nearing the $40 million threshold.

So, when it comes to Hovland joining the breakaway league, and that too for an expensive deal, it sounds a little ridiculous, considering that money would not be the problem for the 6x PGA Tour winner. However, it is the leadership that Hovland has expressed his displeasure towards.

Viktor Hovland on PGA Tour leadership

Hovland was a guest golfer on FORE! in Norway. He shared his opinions on Jon Rahm joining LIV Golf and also expressed his stance on the PGA Tour leadership, and talked about his rumored departure to LIV. For Rahm, he understood his departure and for the PGA Tour, he stated that the Tour “has not done a good job” and “They almost see the players as labor,” as reported by Golf Week.

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Hovland showed his disinterest and shared that he doesn’t find their product “that great” nor does its no-cut format entice him. Hovland will be playing three no-cut events on the PGA Tour starting with The Sentry.

The TOUR champion doubted his immediate departure to the league and shut down any and every rumor circulating in the golf world. With a heavy pocket and many accolades to his name, Viktor Hovland is to stay with the PGA Tour, for now.

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