![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-09-26T191545Z_1118958173_UP1EH9Q1HI7WP_RTRMADP_3_GOLF-RYDERCUP.jpg?width=600)
via Reuters
Golf – The 2020 Ryder Cup – Whistling Straits, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, U.S. – September 26, 2021 Team Europe’s Viktor Hovland reacts after a missed putt on the 9th green during the Singles REUTERS/Brian Snyder
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-09-26T191545Z_1118958173_UP1EH9Q1HI7WP_RTRMADP_3_GOLF-RYDERCUP.jpg?width=600)
via Reuters
Golf – The 2020 Ryder Cup – Whistling Straits, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, U.S. – September 26, 2021 Team Europe’s Viktor Hovland reacts after a missed putt on the 9th green during the Singles REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Viktor Hovland has upset many fans with his latest step! The Norwegian golfer decided to withdraw from the upcoming WM Phoenix Open. This news broke the hearts of many fans, and many members of the golf community also took it as a sign of his defection to the other side. But will the Norwegian star be moving to LIV Golf? Well, not anytime soon, as per the latest reports!
A former PGA Tour pro has come forward to reveal the real reason Hovland why is sitting out of the PGA Tour event. Shockingly, it has something to do with his disappointing performances at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (T58) and the Sentry (T22).
Viktor Hovland to take a break to get better on the greens
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Norwegian golfer has had one of the worst starts to his season since he turned pro. He has played in two signature events this season and has finished outside the top 20 in both. But his performance at Pebble Beach was the final nail in the coffin.
As revealed by former PGA Tour pro Henrik Bjornstad, the 26-year-old is disappointed with his performance. “He was frustrated throughout the previous tournament. He was frustrated and cursed all the time, and it didn’t seem like he found either part satisfying,” Bjornstad revealed.
The 26-year-old was earlier scheduled to play in Arizona. However, he decided to sit the event out and focus on getting his groove back by practicing hard. The golfer figured that at this point a few extra hours of practice could help him get better on the greens, and get his superstar finishes back, just like he did in 2023.
Viktor Hovland has been frustrated with his play so far this season and decided to take a week off to practice instead of playing the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
He'll be back next week for The Genesis.#WMPO @TrackingHovland @NUCLRGOLF
via @ESN_golf & @MariusThorp pic.twitter.com/C4lmMv4JVc
— GOLF INJURY REPORT (@InjuryReportPGA) February 5, 2024
Notably, this withdrawal will mark another week off for Viktor Hovland. He was already playing at Pebble Beach after a three-week hiatus. With the Augusta showdown coming up, a few extra practice shots could help him! After this short break, where will the golfer tee next?
When will Hovland be on the PGA Tour?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Even Bjornstad said, “But I think it’s a bit strange that he withdraws from this tournament considering that he has played so few tournaments so far this season.” Does this drop from the PGA Tour events mean yet another extended break for Hovland? The former PGA Tour pro, Henrik Bjornstad, shed light on this question too.
Despite taking this week off, Bjornstad claims Hovland will be back in action in no time. The former PGA Tour pro said that the 6x PGAT winner will play in the Genesis Invitational 2024, as confirmed by the player himself. This event is special as it will be the first PGAT event for Tiger Woods in 2024.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
According to Bjornstad, the Norwegian golfer views “Genesis as a bigger and more important tournament” and will not miss it. But with him being out of form, will his Genesis run be a lackluster one? Only time will tell.
Watch This Story | LIV Golf News: 3 Major Takeaways as the $3B PGA Tour-PIF Merger Deadline Gets Extended, as Per Reports