Viktor Hovland has experienced a really challenging PGA Tour season so far in 2026.
With just one top-10 finish to his name in 11 events in 2026, as well as two missed cuts, Hovland seems to be genuinely lost with his game right now.
The PGA Tour is an unforgiving place to play your golf if you’re struggling, and the 28-year-old Norwegian certainly hasn’t been in control of his golf ball over the past two years.
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Hovland has endured a really difficult season on the PGA Tour so far this year.
The seven-time PGA Tour winner’s confidence is rock bottom right now and he looks like an absolute shadow of the player who won the FedEx Cup in 2023.
Something needs to change, and fast, if Hovland is to return to the winners’ circle.
Viktor Hovland to miss the Memorial
Hovland has pulled out of the Memorial Tournament next week for unspecified reasons.
The 28-year-old won the Memorial in 2023, after beating Denny McCarthy in a playoff.
When he was at his best, Hovland’s game was perfectly suited to the tough test that Muirfield Village provides.
His exceptional driving and iron play have historically made him one of the favourites to win the Memorial.
Even during his poor seasons in 2024 and 2025, Hovland recorded T-15 and T-25 finishes respectively.
However, he won’t be playing at Jack’s Place next week, after it was announced on Friday that he has withdrawn from the tournament.
While he obviously would have loved to compete at the Memorial, missing the event may well be a blessing in disguise.
Viktor Hovland missing the Memorial is a blessing in disguise
Hovland has really struggled with his driving this season, and he is ranked 100th in strokes gained off the tee.
Had he played next week at Muirfield Village, there’s a real chance that he would have struggled badly.
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And that would have seriously damaged his confidence, with the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills now just under three weeks away.
Perhaps Hovland needed a week or two away from the game.
He works so hard on his swing and sometimes suffers from a paralysis of analysis.
Two weeks off and a fresh start at Shinnecock Hills might just be exactly what Viktor Hovland actually needs.
Playing at Muirfield Village next week, especially with a nagging injury, could have had a disastrous impact on his hopes of competing at the U.S. Open next month.
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