Viktor Hovland Reveals Stance On Saudi League
The 24-year-old gave his thoughts following his second round at Riviera
The reported Saudi Golf League has been golf's biggest talking point over the last few months, with players reportedly being offered eye-watering amounts of money to join, as well as certain individuals like Dustin Johnson and Lee Westwood signing non-disclosure agreements regarding the breakaway league.
However, it seems that a number of the world's elite have pledged their allegiance with the PGA Tour, with the likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa and Justin Thomas all putting their support behind the Tour where their legacy is based.
And now, it seems that another of the game's biggest names is also staying put on the PGA Tour, with Viktor Hovland stating in a press conference at the Genesis Invitational that: "If I had my wish, I would just keep playing the PGA Tour."
Hovland, who has stated previously that he: "Hasn't talked too much" about the Saudi League with other players, has also mentioned the amount of unknown possibilities with the breakaway league. The 24-year-old explained that he: "Certainly loves playing on the PGA Tour".
Now though, following his seven-under-par second round at Riviera, the young Norwegian seems to have given a clear indication of where his future lies in the game of golf, with Hovland stating: "If I had my wish, I would just keep playing the PGA Tour. We'll see what happens. I just want to play against the best players in the world. If everyone goes over there, it kind of leaves me with no choice, but I would like to play the PGA.
"It's about what people do, but it seem like a lot of good players are voicing their support for the PGA Tour, so that's certainly going to be a tall task for other leagues if the best players don't want to go.
Here's where Hovi stands with the new league.Post-Round InterviewRound 2 #GenesisInvitational #ViktorHovland pic.twitter.com/SmaWzZKnGEFebruary 19, 2022
"It just goes to show what we're playing for -- obviously money is good, it's nice to make money, but that's not what gets me up every day in the morning. I'm just trying to get better at golf. Obviously a tournament like this at a course like Riviera and all the past winners, it's a really cool history. Just to be a part of that, that means something to me, being a PGA Tour winner. And yeah, winning these historical events, I think that's very cool."
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Currently, a number of golf's young stars have committed to the PGA Tour, with four-time Major champion, Rory McIlroy, stating that the idea of the Saudi Golf League is: "nothing more than a money grab".
Tiger Woods, Jon Rahm and Collin Morikawa have also said they are staying, with Rahm recently stating: "It's just not something I believe is the best for me and my future in golf, and I think the best legacy I can accomplish will be with the PGA Tour. I've said it many times in press conferences before, I don't do this for the money, which to me is the only appeal to go over there."
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Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
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