Viktor Hovland was one of the many world-class players in the DP World India Championship field this week.
He joined Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry, Ben Griffin, Michael Kim, and Brian Harman in New Delhi.
The Norwegian was in contention throughout the week and started the final round five shots behind Keita Nakajima.
Hovland (-17) failed to reduce the deficit on Sunday as Tommy Fleetwood (-22) lifted his eighth DP World Tour title.
But despite finishing in a tie for sixth position, Hovland is convinced that he set a new record with his play this week.
Viktor Hovland set an individual record at the DP World India Championship
Hovland was reminded after the final round at the India Championship that he had only made three bogeys across the four days.
The 28-year-old believes that he has never enjoyed a more mistake-free tournament in his professional golf career.
“Yeah, that’s got to be some record, for me at least,” Hovland said. “Kind of annoying one there on 15, missing a short one there.
“But yeah, three bogeys, that was definitely not the problem this week. Just needed to make a few more birdies.”
Hovland then explained that his iron play prevented him from beating Fleetwood because he hit too many approach shots to the “middle of the green.”
“Yeah, it was very solid,” he added. “I didn’t make too many mistakes. I wish I could have made a few more birdies. I didn’t hit my iron shots close enough.
“All the pins were tucked on either the right side or the left side. Thankfully, I didn’t short-side myself, but I just hit everything middle of the green, so I had a lot of stuff 15 to 25 feet for a birdie. Not making mistakes, that’s a good thing.”
Viktor Hovland reflects on playing in India for the first time
Hovland had never played in or traveled to India before, so it was a completely new experience for him this week.
The Norwegian has an inquisitive personality, with a particular interest in outer space, and he thoroughly enjoyed exploring New Delhi.
“Yeah, it is very different. Going to a new place takes a little bit more time just to get used to the course, and obviously, it’s hot here. Food is very different, just everything is very different.
“It takes a little bit of time to get used to, but I’ve definitely embraced it this week because I just really love going to see new places, and India is definitely one of the favorite places I’ve been to. I love it.”
It now seems likely that Hovland and defending champion Fleetwood will return to the DP World India Championship next season.
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