Viktor Hovland is renowned as being one of the very best ball strikers on the planet.
However, Hovland wasn’t immune to the fatal mistake which so many golfers have made throughout the years – trying to change his shot shape in order to suit very specific tournaments and, indeed, holes.
The Norwegian, 28, has since returned to his old swing and it’s no surprise that his results have subsequently begun to improve, albeit it slowly.
Hovland has been a popular topic of conversation since his Ryder Cup neck injury, but he seems to be back to his best physically now.
On Thursday, Hovland played his first competitive round since the Ryder Cup at the DP World India Championship.
He actually played really well in India this week, securing a top-10 finish after ending the tournament at 16-under par.
Hovland seems to be shaping up for a fine 2026, having reverted back to hitting his stock fade off the tee and with his irons.
Viktor Hovland tells golfers ‘the number one thing’ they need to lower their handicaps
Hovland has been known as a tinkerer at times.
However, his key advice for amateur golfers focuses on stability and consistency.
How do we achieve that then? Well, the advice from Hovland is very simple.
He said: “I think harnessing one shot and becoming good at that, I think that’s the number one thing to do.
“Anytime you get a dog-leg left and the wind is off the left tee shot, it’s tough with a cut and that’s where your mind will play tricks on you and say, ‘okay well now I’ve got to change my swing or do something to hit a draw’, for that one situation.
“Where it’s like the cut is working 95% of the time, let’s just hit the cut on this hole and try to make it work.“
If you’re an amateur golfer looking to improve your game, and you manage to get comfortable hitting one stock shot both off the tee and with your irons, your handicap should come down very quickly indeed.
Amateur golfers must learn to play percentages in order to improve
Aside from having one dependable shot shape, amateurs need to learn to limit their mistakes.
A great way to do this is to improve upon your course management. Buy a yardage book for your home golf course or invest in some kind of laser measuring device.
On every single tee shot, measure the distance to the first sign of danger, i.e a bunker or a water hazard. If there is a bunker sitting 230 yards away from the tee, then hit a club that goes 220 yards as a maximum.
While laying back off the tee may feel like an ultra-safe way to play the game, it will certainly help you eliminate big numbers from your scorecard.
Also, it’s worth noting that playing conservative golf doesn’t always equate to hitting less than driver off the tee.
If there is any kind of hazard lining the fairway at around 200 yards from the tee, for example, and you carry your driver 220 yards through the air, then why not hit the big stick?
It’s all about giving yourself the best chance to score as low as possible.
Playing smart will save you strokes in the long run, there is no doubt about that.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
