Viktor Hovland’s struggles go from bad to worse after day one at the Dubai Desert Classic

Add as preferred source on Google

Viktor Hovland was full of optimism heading into the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club. However, things did not go to plan on day one for the tinkering European Ryder Cup star.

Once again, Hovland has split from his coach, Joseph Mayo, and is looking to take his swing in a new direction. The latest development comes after the Norwegian reunited with Mayo just before the 2024 PGA Championship.

After his FedEx Cup win in 2023, Hovland was eager to add a draw tendency to his technique and abandon his natural fade, which had previously worked so well. However, he admitted that changing his swing was a mistake.

Now, the 27-year-old appears to be once again searching for something new.

Viktor Hovland’s struggles continue at the Dubai Desert Classic

Hovland’s swing alterations did not work at last The Sentry in Hawaii. The Norwegian finished 15 under, 20 shots back of eventual winner, Hideki Matsuyama.

Of course, changes will take time to bed in, but the early signs weren’t overly promising. And, after the first round of the Dubai Desert Classic, Hovland’s poor form shows no sign of letting up.

Hovland made five bogeys on the front nine (five over) before recovering on the back with birdies on 10, 12 and 13. However, a dropped shot on the par-five 18th saw the 27-year-old’s round end on a sour note.

Will Viktor Hovland make Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup team?

Given Hovland’s tinkering and lack of consistency in 2024, he could struggle to make Luke Donald’s European Ryder Cup team at Bethpage Black.

There’s no doubt that, at his best, the Norwegian is among Europe’s elite players. One only needs to look at his record-breaking foursomes win alongside Ludvig Aberg in Rome.

But, given Hovland’s lack of results over the past year and his current trajectory, he could be solely reliant on a pick to make Europe’s 12-man roster. Currently, Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton, Matt Wallace, Paul Waring, Niklas Norgaard and Rasmus Hojgaard are the six players leading the qualification standings.

Hovland will be heavily reliant on his major championship performances to break into the automatic spots. 5000 qualification points are available at the majors, 3000 at PGA Tour Signature Events and 2000 at regular PGA Tour tournaments.

Donald will undoubtedly want Hovland to show glimpses of his former self in 2025. If he does, the Norwegian will likely be one of the first names picked for the eagerly anticipated showdown in New York.