Golf fans can’t believe what Viktor Hovland has just done on the first hole at the 2024 Paris Olympics

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Viktor Hovland was in need of a fast start to his second round at the 2024 Paris Olympics after carding a one-under 70 on Thursday.

The 26-year-old was spotted practicing in his native Norway in preparation for the games, just one week after he missed the cut at The Open Championship.

At the start of Friday’s play at Le Golf National, Hovland was seven shots behind leader Hideki Matsuyama; the 2023 FedEx Cup champion knew he had work to do.

Unfortunately, Hovland’s round couldn’t have started in a worse fashion.

Viktor Hovland makes disastrous triple bogey on the first hole at the 2024 Olympics

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After finding the water with his first shot of the day – by some distance – Hovland went on to find the hazard again with his third before getting down in seven.

And it’s a start which has left golf fans in disbelief.

“And there we can exclude Viktor Hovland from a medal,” a fan wrote. Another added: “Viktor Hovland, taking my approach to playing water holes, got to feel for the guy.”

Others were stunned by what the Norwegian had produced.

“Viktor Hovland, world ranked 7th, just pulled one straight into the water off the tee off the first,” said this fan. While another added: “I’m still amazed at Hovland’s tee-off.”

A fellow golf fan said: “Viktor Hovland has just done this with an iron on the 1st tee. Wasn’t even close to avoiding the water.”

Finally, this fan reacted: “What a wild start for Hovland; you don’t see guys of his calibre start the day putting two brutal shots into the drink.”

Viktor Hovland still searching for 2023 form

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It’s been an eventful season for Hovland, both on and off the course. After splitting from his coach, Joseph Mayo, the Norwegian saw his game fall off a cliff.

But, after reuniting with Mayo before the PGA Championship, the 26-year-old appeared to be somewhat back on track.

Yet, consistent performances have still alluded him. Right now, Hovland still looks like a shadow of the player who was dominant at East Lake nearly 12 months ago.

Hovland has also been linked with a blockbuster move to LIV Golf, which has been an added distraction for the Norwegian to deal with.

He will no doubt welcome the conclusion of the PGA Tour season and get back to the drawing board over the off-season.