Viktor Hovland has reportedly responded to rumours that he is set to be one of the next superstar names to defect to LIV Golf.
With the opening event of the LIV season looming, there is plenty of speculation over who exactly is going to leave the DP World Tour and PGA Tour to make the move before the curtain-raiser.
Jon Rahm has already made the switch. And it seems that Adrian Meronk will also make his LIV debut in the very near future. There was then speculation that Tyrell Hatton could also make the move.
Viktor Hovland denies reports he’s heading to LIV
Rahm and Hatton are not the only Ryder Cup heroes to be linked. Norsk Golf noted that there had been suggestions on social media that Viktor Hovland would also be heading to the Saudi-backed tour.
However, those worried about Hovland defecting need not be concerned. Norsk Golf adds that Hovland’s simple response to the reports was: ‘not true’.
Established tours cannot show anymore complacency
Losing the 26-year-old and Rahm in the same winter would be devastating, particularly for the DP World Tour.
Hovland is a future major champion. And he is likely to be a regular in the Ryder Cup for the next two decades. So having him decide to move to LIV would be a huge blow for the established tours.
Of course, Hovland could still make the move in the future. If the last couple of years have taught us anything, it is that you just cannot rule anything out anymore.
Ultimately, if LIV continue to poach some of the world’s best players, and the PGA Tour and DP World Tour do not manage to satisfy those who remain loyal, more of the big names will make the move.
Clearly, Hovland is happy where he is for the time-being. But the tours must not take his stance for granted.
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